overtake
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/ˌoʊvərˈteɪk/
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To pass or surpass something, whether in movement, competition, or by surprise, and also the noun for the passing maneuver.
Examples
The new smartphone overtakes its predecessor in battery life.
Drivers must signal before they overtake another vehicle.
A sudden overtake forced the driver to brake hard.
The police reported an illegal overtake near the intersection.
The overtake was smooth thanks to the clear lane.
Similar words
strike
exceed
outpace
pass
take by surprise
beat
outperform
beat
catch off guard
passing maneuver
Meanings
Examples
The cyclist tried to overtake the car on the narrow road.
She overtook the leader in the final lap.
Drivers must signal before they overtake another vehicle.
He overtook his rival by a margin of two seconds.
The runner overtook the pack after the third mile.
When the road is clear, you may safely overtake slower traffic.
Similar words
pass
surpass
outpace
beat
exceed
go past
Examples
Company A overtook Company B in market share last quarter.
The new smartphone overtakes its predecessor in battery life.
Their profits overtook expectations this year.
The startup aims to overtake the industry leader.
By 2025, renewable energy is expected to overtake fossil fuels.
She overtook all her classmates in the final exam scores.
Similar words
outstrip
outgrow
outperform
eclipse
beat
surpass
Examples
The sudden storm overtook the hikers on the trail.
A feeling of panic overtook her as the deadline approached.
The news overtook the town, leaving everyone shocked.
A wave of fatigue overtook the team after the marathon.
Unexpected applause overtook the speaker.
A sense of dread overtook him when the lights went out.
Similar words
surprise
catch off guard
take by surprise
hit
strike
overwhelm
Examples
The overtake was smooth thanks to the clear lane.
A risky overtake can cause accidents on highways.
He practiced the overtake before the race.
The police reported an illegal overtake near the intersection.
During the driving test, the instructor evaluated the student's overtake.
A sudden overtake forced the driver to brake hard.
Similar words
passing
passing maneuver
pass
surpassing
overtaking
maneuver
Etymology
From over- + take (v.). Early 13c.
FAQ
What does "overtake" mean as a verb?
It means to pass or surpass something, such as a vehicle, a competitor, or an event that catches you by surprise.
How do you form the past tense of "overtake"?
The past tense is "overtook" and the past participle is "overtaken".
Can "overtake" be used as a noun?
Yes, it can refer to the act of passing another vehicle, called an overtaking maneuver.
When is it correct to use "overtake" in business contexts?
Use it when one company exceeds another in market share, revenue, or performance.
Is "overtake" used for unexpected events?
Yes, it can describe a situation that suddenly catches someone off guard.
What are common mistakes with "overtake"?
People often write "over took" as two words or misuse the past form; the correct forms are "overtook" and "overtaken".
What are some synonyms for "overtake"?
Synonyms include "pass", "surpass", "outpace", "exceed", "beat", and "outstrip".
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