overhear (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˌoʊvərˈhɪər/

Definition

To hear something by chance, especially a conversation that was not intended for you.

Examples

• I couldn't help but overhear their argument from the next room.

• She was embarrassed because she overheard a private phone call.

• Did you overhear anything interesting at the conference?

How to Use overhear

overhear someone (collocation)

To hear a person speaking. — "I overheard the manager talking to a client."

overhear something (collocation)

To hear a piece of information or a sound accidentally. — "Did you overhear anything about the test results?"

overhear [someone] [verb] (collocation)

To accidentally hear what someone is saying or doing. — "I overheard him complaining about the food."

Synonyms of overhear

Words with a similar meaning to overhear:

• catch
• eavesdrop
• overhear
• glean

Antonyms of overhear

Words with the opposite meaning to overhear:

• ignore
• listen to
• attend to

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