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Overtake

UK //əʊvəˈteɪk// US //oʊvərˈteɪk// Pronunciation

Definition

To pass another person or vehicle moving in the same direction.

Listen to definition

In simple words: To go past someone or something moving in the same direction.

Examples

• The race car managed to overtake its competitors on the final lap.
• It's illegal to overtake on a corner.
• She hopes to overtake her colleagues in the sales competition this month.
• During the busy morning commute, many drivers try to overtake each other.
• The team was able to overtake their rivals in the league standings.

Usage notes

Commonly used in driving contexts; can also refer to surpassing someone in achievements. Avoid using in very formal situations.

Grammar pattern

overtake + object

Memory hint

Think of a car zooming past another – it’s overtaking.

Collocations

• overtake someone
• overtake a vehicle
• safely overtake
• overtake in traffic
• overtake on the highway

Synonyms

• pass
• supersede
• surpass
• outstrip
• outpace

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'take over' which means to gain control of something.
• Using intransitively; 'overtake' requires an object.
• Misusing 'overtake' when referring to processes instead of physical movements.