ENGLISH
REFERENCE

overlook

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈoʊvɝˌɫʊk// over·look Archaic

n. a high place where you can look down and see a wide view of the area below. It is often a spot on a hill or a road where people stop to take photos.

n. a high vantage point or elevated location from which a wide area can be surveyed. Often used in the context of scenic tourism or strategic observation.


SIMPLE

We stopped at the overlook to see the valley below.

CONTEXTUAL

The hiking trail ends at a rocky overlook that offers a panoramic view of the entire mountain range.

COMPLEX

From the granite overlook, the winding river appeared as a silver thread cutting through the dense canopy of the ancient forest below.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English overloken; equivalent to over- + look.

Usage

Commonly used in North American English to describe a scenic viewpoint; in British English, 'viewpoint' or 'lookout' is more frequent.

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