[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/overhear/)

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# overhear

verb (overhear, overhears, overheard, overhearing)

«overhear» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

To overhear something is to hear what other people are saying without them knowing, or without meaning to listen. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#m1)

### In the lessons

In stories, a character often overhears a secret plan and the adventure begins. In everyday life you might overhear grown-ups talking; listening on purpose is eavesdropping. Phrases: «overhear a conversation», «I couldn't help overhearing», «be overheard».

### Examples

- I overheard Mum planning my surprise party. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#x1)
- In the story, the boy overheard the pirates' plan. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#x2)
- Sorry, I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#x3)
- Speak quietly so you are not overheard. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#x4)
- She overheard her name in the staff room. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#x5)
- The spy overheard the soldiers talking. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#x6)
- We overheard the teacher say there would be a quiz. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#x7)
- This time they could not prevent him overhearing. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/#x8)

### Note

Irregular verb: overhear, overheard, overheard (like hear, heard). Overhearing is usually by accident; «eavesdropping» is listening on purpose.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «overhear» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/O/overhear/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«overhear» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/overhear.html) on Mova free.