ENGLISH
REFERENCE

overtake

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈoʊvɝˌteɪk// UK //ˌəʊvətˈeɪk// over·take

v. to catch up with and pass someone or something that is moving in the same direction. You often use this when driving a car or running a race.

v. to catch up with and pass a person or vehicle moving in the same direction; to become greater in number, amount, or importance than something else.


SIMPLE

The blue car pulled out to overtake the slow truck.

CONTEXTUAL

The runner managed to overtake the leader in the final lap to win the gold medal.

COMPLEX

Economic analysts predict that emerging markets will eventually overtake established economies if current growth rates remain consistent over the next decade.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English overtaken, likely a replacement alteration (as the Middle English verb taken replaced nimen (“to take”)), of Middle English overnimen (“to overtake”), from Old English oferniman (“to take by surprise, overtake”), equivalent to over- + take.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In British English, it is the standard term for passing a vehicle, whereas American English often prefers 'pass'.

Pitfall

He overtook to the carHe overtook the carOvertake is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before the object.

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