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overlook something
/ˌoʊvərˈlʊk/◆phrasal verb
to fail to notice or consider something
She overlooked the typo in her report.
She failed to notice the typo in her report.
general
To fail to notice or consider something, often unintentionally.
The editor overlooked several errors in the manuscript.
The editor failed to notice several errors in the manuscript.
Don't overlook the small details—they matter.
Don't ignore the small details—they matter.
This phrasal verb often implies an unintentional oversight, but it can also be used to mean 'to ignore deliberately.'
general
To ignore or disregard something intentionally, often because it is considered unimportant or trivial.
He chose to overlook her rude behavior.
He decided to ignore her rude behavior.
The manager overlooked the minor policy violation.
The manager chose not to address the minor policy violation.
In this sense, 'overlook' can imply a deliberate decision to ignore something.
Collocations
overlook a mistaketo fail to notice a mistakeoverlook a detailto ignore a small but important detailoverlook a flawto disregard a defect or imperfection
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Overlook something' is often used to describe unintentional mistakes, but it can also mean to ignore something deliberately.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'overlook something' depends on whether the oversight is intentional or accidental.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'overlooken,' meaning 'to look over or beyond,' combining 'over' (above) and 'look' (to see).
Usage Notes
The phrasal verb 'overlook something' can be used both intentionally and unintentionally. In formal contexts, it often implies an oversight, while in informal contexts, it may suggest deliberate disregard.
Word Breakdown
over
above or beyond
prefixlook
to see or observe
rootEnglish Dictionary