Words / C1

ohv-uh-LUK/ˌəʊvəˈlʊk/

To overlook is to fail to notice, or to have a view over, or to let a small fault pass: overlook a clause, a room overlooking the yard, overlook a first slip. Miss is everyday; look over is inspect (the opposite trap). Oversee (already in the dictionary) is supervise. Do not overlook a fire door as a “view”.

Meaning

To fail to notice something; also to have a view over a place, or to choose not to punish a small fault.

Examples

• “Do not overlook the appendix: the only honest n is there.”
• “Do not overlook the appendix: the honest n is only there.”
• “Miss a typo is everyday. Look over the script is inspect it. Oversee the lab is supervise. A window overlooking the car park is the view sense. Forgive a slip is the third sense.”

Good to know

Miss / look out over / let a small fault pass. Everyday: miss. Trap: look over (inspect). Contrast: oversee (supervise). Three senses — pick one.

Near in meaning

miss

New