oversee
v.-
1 to supervise (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto watch over a piece of work or a group of people to make sure it is done right.
to supervise or manage a project, department, or group of people, ensuring that standards are met and tasks are completed.
ExampleAs the manager, she had to oversee the daily work of ten employees.
ExampleThe director was appointed to oversee the entire restructuring process, ensuring that each department met its new efficiency targets by the end of the fiscal year.
UsageThis is a transitive verb and always requires a direct object.
-
2 to inspect (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto look at something carefully to check its quality or condition.
to inspect or examine something formally to ensure compliance or quality.
ExampleThe committee will oversee the final inspection of the new building.
ExampleA neutral third party was brought in to oversee the audit and verify that all financial records were accurate and transparent.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 to overlook (v.) C2 Proficiency Archaicto fail to notice something or to ignore it by mistake.
to fail to see or to overlook something; this usage is largely historical and has been replaced by 'overlook' in modern contexts.
ExampleIn the old story, the guard happened to oversee the thief hiding in the shadows.
ExampleThe poet used the term to describe a character who might oversee a crucial detail, leading to their eventual downfall in the final act.
Teacher's tipIn modern English, 'oversee' almost always means to supervise. Using it to mean 'to fail to see' will confuse most listeners.
From Middle English overseen, ouverseen, from Old English ofersēon (“to observe, oversee; to overlook, neglect”), equivalent to over- + see.