overlook

[oh-ver-look, oh-ver-look]

verb (used with object)

1. to fail to notice, perceive, or consider.

   to overlook a misspelled word.

   Synonyms: miss

2. to disregard or ignore indulgently, as faults or misconduct.

   Only a parent could overlook that kind of behavior.

3. to look over, as from a higher position.

   a balcony that overlooks the ballroom.

4. to afford a view over; look down or out upon.

   a hill overlooking the sea.

5. to rise above.

   The Washington Monument overlooks the tidal basin.

6. to excuse; pardon.

   a minor infraction we can overlook this time.

7. to look over in inspection, examination, or perusal.

   They allowed us to overlook the proposed contract.

8. to look after, oversee, or supervise.

   She has to overlook a large number of employees.

9. Archaic.,  to look upon with the evil eye; bewitch.

noun

1. terrain, as on a cliff, that affords an attractive vista or a good view.

   Miles of landscape could be seen from the overlook.

overlook

verb

1. to fail to notice or take into account

2. to disregard deliberately or indulgently

3. to look at or over from above

   the garden is overlooked by the prison

4. to afford a view of from above

   the house overlooks the bay

5. to rise above

6. to look after

7. to look at carefully

8. to bewitch or cast the evil eye upon (someone)

noun

1. a high place affording a view

2. an act of overlooking

Word History and Origins

Origin of overlook¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; over-, look

Synonym Study

See slight.

Example Sentences

But what caught the popular imagination were the giant breakfast eggcups on the roof overlooking the canal.

From BBC

All of this begs a broader question - that is, in medicalising debates around tackling obesity, do we risk overlooking the wider social issue?

From BBC

The government announced a £5bn funding boost for 339 "overlooked" communities on Thursday, with specific spending to be determined by those who "know their communities best".

From BBC

There was a time when Runyon Canyon Park was primarily visited by locals, a true wilderness oasis in the hills overlooking Hollywood’s bright lights.

From Los Angeles Times

The Teenage Cancer Trust said the psychological distress from changes to appearance caused by cancer and treatment were often overlooked. 

From BBC

Related Words

• discount 
• forget 
• ignore 
• omit