# overtake

/ˈoʊvɝˌteɪk/ (US) · /ˌəʊvətˈeɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overtake
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to pass a vehicle

verb · CEFR B1

to go past a slower vehicle or person moving in the same direction.

For teachers: to catch up with and pass a slower-moving vehicle or entity, typically on the side closest to oncoming traffic.

- The driver waited for a clear road before trying to overtake the slow truck.
- The cyclist checked his shoulder and signaled before accelerating to overtake the group of pedestrians blocking the narrow lane.

Usage: In British English, this is the standard term for passing a car; American English speakers more commonly use 'pass'.

### 2. to exceed in number or quality

verb · CEFR B2

to become greater, more successful, or more important than something else.

For teachers: to surpass or exceed another in quantity, value, importance, or status.

- Online sales are expected to overtake physical store sales by next year.
- The small startup managed to overtake its established competitors within three years by focusing exclusively on mobile user experience.

### 3. to affect suddenly

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to happen to someone suddenly or unexpectedly, especially a feeling or a bad situation.

For teachers: to come upon or affect someone suddenly and unexpectedly; to overwhelm.

- A sudden feeling of sadness overtook him as he looked at the old photos.
- The travelers were overtaken by a violent storm before they could reach the safety of the mountain hut.

### 4. the act of passing

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

the act of driving past another vehicle.

For teachers: the maneuver of passing another vehicle or competitor.

- That was a dangerous overtake on such a sharp corner.
- The race was decided in the final lap by a daring overtake on the inside of the hairpin turn.

## Examples

- The blue car pulled out to overtake the slow truck.
- The runner managed to overtake the leader in the final lap to win the gold medal.
- Economic analysts predict that emerging markets will eventually overtake established economies if current growth rates remain consistent over the next decade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.