overhear

[ oh-ver-heer ]

/ ˌoʊ vərˈhɪər /

See synonyms for: overhear / overheard on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), o·ver·heard, o·ver·hear·ing.

to hear (speech or a speaker) without the speaker's intention or knowledge: I accidentally overheard what they were saying.

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THIS PSAT VOCABULARY QUIZ IS PERFECT PRACTICE FOR THE REAL TEST

In our third teacher-created PSAT practice test there are new and unique vocabulary terms you may have never heard of! Can you guess what they mean?

Question 1 of 10

seclusion

a false belief or opinion.

the matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid.

the state of being isolated, kept apart, or withdrawn into solitude.

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Origin of overhear

First recorded in 1540–50; over- + hear

OTHER WORDS FROM overhear

o·ver·hear·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for overhear

“All these questions from journalists,” he said, in a voice that was just loud enough to be overheard.
North Korea’s Propaganda Art Exhibit in London|Nico Hines|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They would speak up, but in tones still soft and placid; and Spahn often overheard them describing him as a “beautiful person.”
Gay Talese on Charlie Manson’s Home on the Range|Gay Talese|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A few days later, I overheard someone say a person they knew had "lost the battle" against cancer.
No One Ever Loses to Cancer|Dushka Zapata|October 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At that point, a sphere lit up, resembling the landing of the UFO in E.T., and the overheard lights descended on the stage.
I'm Not Country or Pop. I'm Just Pure Garth Brooks.|David Masciotra|September 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST

There was also a report that the soldiers had overheard talk on the radio of an American looking for the Taliban.
The Army Lied About the Hero Who Died Looking for Bowe Bergdahl|Michael Daly|June 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Bee felt sorry that Nelson had overheard what she had said, though indeed there was no harm in it.
Rosy|Mrs. Molesworth
You are welcome to remain as long as the storm lasts, answered Professor Jeffer, who overheard the remark.
First at the North Pole|Edward Stratemeyer
An engineer was with him and while they were at luncheon I overheard them discussing your water-right.
The Long Chance|Peter B. Kyne
As I was led away, I overheard some comments that were passed upon me.
Sir Jasper Carew|Charles James Lever
Sybil overheard the words, and guessed that the poor creature applied them to the cup.
The Pagan's Cup|Fergus Hume

British Dictionary definitions for overhear

overhear

/ (ˌəʊvəˈhɪə) /

verb -hears, -hearing or -heard

(tr) to hear (a person, remark, etc) without the knowledge of the speaker

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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overhear

verb (used with object), o·ver·heard, o·ver·hear·ing.

QUIZZES

THIS PSAT VOCABULARY QUIZ IS PERFECT PRACTICE FOR THE REAL TEST

Origin of overhear

OTHER WORDS FROM overhear

Example sentences from the Web for overhear

British Dictionary definitions for overhear

verb -hears, -hearing or -heard

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

LEARN

WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

overhear

verb (used with object), o·ver·heard, o·ver·hear·ing.

QUIZZES

THIS PSAT VOCABULARY QUIZ IS PERFECT PRACTICE FOR THE REAL TEST

Origin of overhear

OTHER WORDS FROM overhear

Words related to overhear

Example sentences from the Web for overhear

British Dictionary definitions for overhear

verb -hears, -hearing or -heard