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REFERENCE

overseas

adv. · adj.
US //ˈoʊvɝˈsiz// over·seas
  1. 1 to or in a foreign country (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in or to another country, usually one across a sea or ocean.

    to or in a location across a sea; used to describe travel, residence, or operations in a foreign territory.

    Example

    Many students choose to study overseas to experience a different culture.

    Example

    The company decided to expand its operations overseas after seeing significant demand for its products in the European and Asian markets.

    Usage

    Typically follows the verb of movement or state.
  2. 2 relating to foreign countries (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    coming from, happening in, or relating to a foreign country.

    relating to, situated in, or coming from a country across the sea.

    Example

    The university has a large number of overseas students from all over the world.

    Example

    The government is reviewing its overseas aid budget to ensure the funds are reaching the most vulnerable populations effectively.

    Usage

    Attributive use only; it almost always appears before the noun it modifies.
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  1. 3 living in a foreign country (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Formal

    used to describe people of a certain nationality who live in a different country.

    denoting members of an ethnic or national group living outside their ancestral or home country.

    Example

    The festival was organized by the local overseas Chinese community.

    Example

    The ministry established a new department to handle the specific legal and consular needs of its overseas citizens living in North America.
Origin

From earlier oversea, equivalent to oversea + -s. Compare West Frisian oerseesk, Dutch overzees, German Übersee, Danish oversøisk.

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