overtake
|o-ver-take|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌoʊvərˈteɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌəʊvəˈteɪk/
catch up and pass
Etymology
Etymology Information
'overtake' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'overtaken,' where 'over-' meant 'above' and 'tacan' meant 'to take.'
Historical Evolution
'overtaken' transformed into the modern English word 'overtake' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to take above or beyond,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to catch up with and pass.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to catch up with and pass while traveling in the same direction.
The car managed to overtake the truck on the highway.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35