overlook

[ verb oh-ver-look; noun 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

At an overlook a few miles outside of town, Redman pulls two cords of LED lights, one green and one purple, from her bag.

From Washington Post

The section is full of scenic overlooks and quick day hikes.

From Outside Online

The Roam offers turn-by-turn navigation and will even route you back on track if you decide to take a detour to a scenic overlook or coffeeshop.

From Outside Online

Outdoor Voices uses a polyester-spandex blend that’s a little more rugged and compressive than the other picks here, so you can take a seat at a rocky overlook and not worry about scuffing up the bum.

From Outside Online

This breakdown provides a great overlook of what emotions are already prominent in your niche’s content.

From Search Engine Watch

In the book, Tavris and Aronson argue that the same ability to overlook minor flaws in a marriage leads to overlooking major ones.

From The Daily Beast

Many were just eager to forget, absolve, or overlook serious accusations, simply because doing so would be hugely convenient.

From The Daily Beast

But it is also a mistake to overlook some important differences.

From The Daily Beast

In reading about ASHA, its current location is hard to overlook—Research Triangle, North Carolina.

From The Daily Beast

Moments like these could cause ticket-buyers to squirm or, perhaps, reflect on their own capacity to overlook and forgive.

From The Daily Beast

Yuh want t' keep your eye glued t' that peep-glass in the mornin', and not overlook no motions.

From Project Gutenberg

Overlook the deficiencies of others when conversing with them, as they may be the results of ignorance, and impossible to correct.

From Project Gutenberg

Danton insisted that they must overlook the massacres, and give at least an implied assent to their necessity.

From Project Gutenberg

The scanty ruins of the castle where the prince was born still overlook the town.

From Project Gutenberg

The insult that mademoiselle might overlook might even not have fully understood—set him afire with indignation for her sake.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• discount
• forget
• ignore
• omit