Cool MateIgnore vs Overlook
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Ignore
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Overlook
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
| Ignore | Overlook | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪɡˈnɔː//🇺🇸 //ɪɡˈnɔːr// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌəʊvəˈlʊk/","/ˌəʊvəˈlʊks/","/ˌəʊvəˈlʊkt/","/ˌəʊvəˈlʊkɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌəʊvərˈlʊk/","/ˌəʊvərˈlʊks/","/ˌəʊvərˈlʊkt/","/ˌəʊvərˈlʊkɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To pay no attention to something. | To not notice something or to ignore it. |
| Example | She chose to ignore the rude comments from her classmates. | From the hilltop, you can overlook the entire city in the distance. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | ignore a call, ignore the rules, ignore the warning | completely, entirely, largely, cannot, cannot afford to, should not, be easily overlooked, something should not be overlooked, completely, entirely, largely, cannot, cannot afford to, should not, be easily overlooked, something should not be overlooked |
| Antonyms | acknowledge, pay attention, notice | notice, acknowledge, spot |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'neglect' - ignoring implies a choice, neglecting may imply carelessness., Misused in passive forms - typically, ignore is active., Incorrect tense forms - ensure correct past or continuous forms. | 'Overlook' used as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'overlook' with 'oversee', which means to supervise., Using 'overlook' with an incorrect preposition (e.g. 'overlook at something'). |
| Usage notes | Used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neutral; avoid in formal contexts where precise attention is needed. | Commonly used when referring to missed details or ignoring responsibilities. Appropriate in both written and spoken English. Generally not used in very formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Ignore vs Overlook
What's the difference between Ignore and Overlook?
Ignore: To pay no attention to something. Overlook: To not notice something or to ignore it.
Which is more advanced: Ignore and Overlook?
Overlook is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Ignore and Overlook the same CEFR level?
Ignore: B1, Overlook: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Ignore and Overlook?
Ignore: verb, Overlook: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Ignore: She chose to ignore the rude comments from her classmates. Overlook: From the hilltop, you can overlook the entire city in the distance.
Can I use Ignore and Overlook interchangeably?
Not always. Ignore and Overlook are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.