Word
overcame
Phoneticsover·came
US/ˈoʊvɝˈkeɪm/
UK/ˌəʊvəkˈeɪm/
Definition
v. successfully dealt with a difficult situation or feeling. It is the past tense of 'overcome'.
v. past tense of 'overcome'; refers to having successfully dealt with or gained control over a problem, obstacle, or emotion.
Examples
“She overcame her fear of heights and climbed the mountain.”
“The team overcame a three-goal deficit in the final minutes of the match to secure a victory.”
“Having faced significant systemic barriers throughout her early career, she eventually overcame these challenges to become a leading voice in her field of research.”
Examples
simple
“She overcame her fear of heights and climbed the mountain.”
contextual
“The team overcame a three-goal deficit in the final minutes of the match to secure a victory.”
complex
“Having faced significant systemic barriers throughout her early career, she eventually overcame these challenges to become a leading voice in her field of research.”
Usage
The past tense form of 'overcome'. It is transitive and requires a direct object.
Pitfall
He has overcame many obstacles.
He has overcome many obstacles.
Learners often confuse the past tense 'overcame' with the past participle 'overcome' when using the present perfect tense.
Real-World Examples
“Aberdeen overcame Dundee 3-0 at Pittodrie on Saturday, Ross County beat Dunfermline 2-1, while Celtic trounced Dundee United 4-0 at Tannadice.” “BC News asked current students about the worries they had before arriving at university how they overcame them.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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