Word
overheard
Phoneticsover·heard
US/ˈoʊvɝˈhɝd/
UK/ˌəʊvəhˈɜːd/
Definition
v. to hear what other people are saying without them knowing you are listening. This usually happens by accident because you are nearby.
v. to hear speech or conversation without the speaker's intention or knowledge. The past tense and past participle of 'overhear'.
Examples
“I overheard them talking about the surprise party.”
“While waiting for my coffee, I accidentally overheard two managers discussing the upcoming office relocation.”
“In many classic novels, the plot hinges on a character who has overheard a private confession, leading to a series of misunderstandings that drive the narrative toward its climax.”
Examples
simple
“I overheard them talking about the surprise party.”
contextual
“While waiting for my coffee, I accidentally overheard two managers discussing the upcoming office relocation.”
complex
“In many classic novels, the plot hinges on a character who has overheard a private confession, leading to a series of misunderstandings that drive the narrative toward its climax.”
Usage
Transitive verb; typically takes a direct object or a clause starting with 'that'.
Pitfall
I overheard to their conversation
I overheard their conversation
Overhear is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before the object.
Real-World Examples
“When she got her first guitar, she wrote a tune called “Life Doesn’t Mean Much to Me,” inspired by a conversation she overheard about young men who died in battle.” “She overheard them discussing putting her in a suitcase.” - 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/overheard