C1verb2K

Oversee

UK /["/ˌəʊvəˈsiː/","/ˌəʊvəˈsiːz/","/ˌəʊvəˈsɔː/","/ˌəʊvəˈsiːn/","/ˌəʊvəˈsiːɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌəʊvərˈsiː/","/ˌəʊvərˈsiːz/","/ˌəʊvərˈsɔː/","/ˌəʊvərˈsiːn/","/ˌəʊvərˈsiːɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to watch somebody/something and make sure that a job or an activity is done correctly

In simple words: To watch over and manage something.

Examples

  • United Nations observers oversaw the elections.
  • He personally oversaw the design of all the rooms.
  • She will be responsible for overseeing strategic and operational plans.
  • The body was set up to oversee the implementation of the peace treaty.

Usage notes

Used in business and formal contexts to indicate that someone is responsible for supervising a task or group. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

oversee + object

Memory hint

Think of a manager with a keen eye overseeing a big project, like a hawk watching over its nest.

Collocations

  • directly
  • personally
  • be appointed to
  • be created to
  • be set up to
  • be responsible for overseeing something

Synonyms

  • supervise
  • manage
  • direct
  • monitor
  • administer

Antonyms

  • neglect
  • ignore
  • overlook

Common mistakes

  • Using 'oversee' when referring to personal matters instead of professional ones.
  • Confusing 'oversee' with 'oversee' — similar pronunciation but different meaning.
  • Incorrectly conjugating the verb, like using 'overseeing' when 'oversees' is needed.