What is overrule? Pronunciation and usage in English

overrule means . Learn how to pronounce and use overrule through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of overrule

overruleverb

/ˌəʊvəˈruːl//ˌəʊvərˈruːl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "overrule." It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: It's typically said as three syllables: ov-er-rule

2. Sounds:

  • ov: Sounds like "ov" in "love" or "dove." It's a short, slightly rounded vowel sound.
  • er: Pronounced like "er" in "her." A short, crisp sound.
  • rule: Sounds like "rool" – rhymes with "school" or "cool". The "u" is pronounced like a "oo" sound.

3. Putting it together:

Say it slowly at first: "ov-er-rule"

Then, speed it up a little: "oh-ver-rule"

Here’s a slightly more detailed breakdown to help you:

  • Emphasis: The primary stress is on the first syllable - ov.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word overrule in English

Let's break down how to use the word "overrule." It's a powerful word that essentially means to cancel or reject something previously decided or proposed. Here's a detailed explanation with examples:

1. Meaning:

"Overrule" means to reject or annul something previously decided, proposed, or attempted. It signifies that a higher authority or decision supersedes a lower one. Think of it as saying, "I'm changing my mind about this, and what was previously agreed upon no longer applies."

2. Parts of Speech & Forms:

  • Verb: This is the most common form - "to overrule."
  • Past Tense: Overruled
  • Past Participle: Overruled
  • Present Participle: Overruling

3. How to Use It – Examples:

Here's how you can use "overrule" in different contexts:

  • Formal/Legal Contexts:

    • "The judge overruled the defendant's objections." (Meaning the judge rejected the objections.)
    • "The committee overruled the CEO’s recommendations, citing concerns about budget allocation.” (Meaning the committee’s decision superseded the CEO’s.)
    • "The parliamentary rules were overruled by a vote of 51 to 49." (Meaning the vote changed the rules.)

  • Business/Management Contexts:

    • "The manager overruled the team’s initial plan, deciding to implement a different strategy." (Meaning the manager replaced the team's plan with their own.)
    • "The board of directors overruled the CEO’s proposal for a major acquisition." (Meaning the board canceled the acquisition.)

  • General/Everyday Contexts:

    • "The teacher overruled my excuse for being late, saying that it didn’t hold water.” (Meaning the teacher rejected the excuse.)
    • "My initial idea was overruled in favor of a more practical solution." (Meaning a different idea was chosen instead).
    • "He overruled his own previous statement, admitting he’d been mistaken." (Meaning he retracted his previous statement.)

4. Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Hierarchy: “Overrule” usually implies a situation where there’s a clear hierarchy or authority. Someone is acting as a higher authority and negating something proposed by someone lower in the chain.

  • Justification (Often implied): Often, when something is overruled, there's a reason provided for the decision. The person overruling will usually state why they are rejecting the previous action.

  • Can feel negative: Using “overrule” can sometimes seem critical or dismissive. Be mindful of the tone and how it might be perceived by the person whose suggestion was rejected.

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Reject
  • Annul
  • Overturn
  • Nullify
  • Disallow
  • Dismiss
  • Cancel
  • Override

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "overrule"? (e.g., legal, business, personal, etc.)
  • Can you give me a sentence where you're trying to use the word?

Synonyms for the word overrule

Practice with vocabulary overrule

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After careful deliberation, the appeal court decided to ________________ the previous verdict, citing a lack of substantial evidence.
  2. The board has the authority to ________________ any resolution passed by the committee if it conflicts with company policy.
  3. Despite initial objections, the CEO chose to ________________ the system's security protocols for an urgent maintenance update.
  4. To ensure fairness, the legislation allows citizens to ________________ their complaints to an independent ombudsman.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions would most likely describe a higher court's decision to negate a lower court's ruling? A) affirm B) uphold C) overrule D) endorse

  2. When a team leader decides to disregard a team member's suggestion, which of the following words could describe this action? (Select all that apply) A) implement B) dismiss C) overrule D) disregard

  3. What might happen if a senior judge finds a junior judge's interpretation of the law to be incorrect? A) The senior judge might ratify the interpretation. B) The senior judge might overrule the interpretation. C) The senior judge might confirm the interpretation. D) The senior judge might endorse the interpretation.

  4. If a government body issues a directive that takes precedence over a local ordinance, what has occurred? A) The directive has reinforced the ordinance. B) The directive has supported the ordinance. C) The directive has superseded the ordinance. D) The directive has complied with the ordinance.

  5. Which of these actions would best describe rejecting a formal proposal without considering its merits? A) validate B) accept C) table D) dismiss

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project manager decided to reverse the team's initial allocation of resources. Rewrite using "overrule":
  2. The Supreme Court invalidated the appellate court's decision in the landmark case. Rewrite using "overrule":
  3. The city council decided to discard the urban development plan because of unexpected public opposition. Rewrite without using "overrule":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. overrule
  2. overrule
  3. override
  4. submit

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) overrule
  2. B) dismiss, D) disregard
  3. B) The senior judge might overrule the interpretation.
  4. C) The directive has superseded the ordinance.
  5. D) dismiss

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project manager decided to overrule the team's initial allocation of resources.
  2. The Supreme Court decided to overrule the appellate court's decision in the landmark case.
  3. The city council decided to reject the urban development plan because of unexpected public opposition.

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