What is overtake? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of overtake

overtakeverb

/ˌəʊvəˈteɪk//ˌəʊvərˈteɪk/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "overtake." It can be a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • O-ver-take – This is the key!

2. Phonetic Pronunciation (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ˈoʊvərˌteɪk/

Let's break that down further:

  • /ˈoʊ/ – This is the "oh" sound, like in "boat" or "go." It’s a short, open "o" sound.
  • /vər/ – This is a short, unstressed "ver" sound. Think of it almost like a very quick "uh" sound. It’s a schwa sound (the most common vowel sound in English).
  • /ˌteɪk/ – This is the “take” part. It's pronounced with a slight emphasis (indicated by the second upside-down "y"). The “a” is a long “a” sound, like in "cake."

3. A More Detailed Breakdown for Speakers:

  • “O-ver”: Say "oh" followed by a very quick "ver" (almost like "uh-ver"). Don’t draw it out too much.
  • “Take”: Say "take" but emphasize the 'a' sound a little more than you usually would.

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "over-tack": The "ack" sound is incorrect.

  • Don’t over-emphasize each syllable: It’s a relatively smooth pronunciation.

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word overtake in English

Let's break down how to use the word "overtake" in English. It's a versatile word with a couple of slightly different meanings, but the core concept is about passing something or someone.

1. As a Verb – To Pass in Speed (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To pass something or someone by going faster. This is the most common usage.

  • Examples:

    • "The race car overtook the slower vehicles on the track." (Passed them by going faster)
    • "The businessman overtook the pedestrian in the crosswalk." (Passed him by going faster)
    • "The ship overtook the ferry and was able to reach the port first." (Reached the destination earlier by going faster)
    • "He overtook his rival in the running competition." (He beat him by running faster)

  • Structure: Subject + overtook + object (what's being passed)

2. As a Verb – To Surpass or Overcome (A Delayed Event)

  • Meaning: To surpass or overcome something that was previously ahead or more important. This is a more formal and less frequently used meaning. It often implies a delay or a longer process.

  • Examples:

    • "The rebels finally overtook the government in terms of popular support." (They gained more support than the government over time)
    • "The company's profits overtook those of its competitors." (The company's profits became greater than the competitors')
    • "The general felt overtaken by the pace of technological change." (He felt he was lagging behind in understanding and adapting to new technology).

  • Structure: Subject + overtook + (what's being surpassed). Often used with a noun representing a state or process.

3. As a Noun – A Passing (Rare)

  • Meaning: A passing, especially in a race or competition. (This usage is quite formal and less common.)
  • Example: "The cyclist achieved an overtake on the final turn."

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “overtake” is almost entirely determined by the context of the sentence. Pay attention to what's being passed.
  • Speed Implication: When used as a verb to mean passing in speed, there’s almost always an element of motion or movement.
  • Time Element: The “surpass” meaning of “overtake” often implies a timeframe – it’s not a sudden, immediate event.

Resources for More Examples:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using “overtake” in? (e.g., sports, business, everyday conversation)?

Synonyms for the word overtake

Practice with vocabulary overtake

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The startup's innovative approach allowed it to quickly _______ established competitors in the market.
  2. Despite their rigorous training, the athletes struggled to _______ the world record set last year.
  3. If current trends continue, China's economy is projected to _______ that of the United States in nominal GDP within the next decade.
  4. The new regulations aim to _______ public safety standards in the construction industry.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. During the final lap, the underdog racer managed to ____ the current champion. A) pass B) overtake C) fall behind D) trail

  2. The rapid advancements in AI technology are poised to ____ many traditional industries, fundamentally changing operational paradigms. A) revolutionize B) dominate C) overtake D) transform

  3. The project manager stressed the importance of timely communication to ____ any potential misunderstandings. A) prevent B) avoid C) circumvent D) overcome

  4. Despite initial setbacks, the persistent startup managed to ____ its larger, more established competitors in market share within five years. A) outpace B) exceed C) overtake D) surpass

  5. The new policy aims to ____ gender disparity in leadership roles across all sectors. A) address B) eliminate C) reduce D) resolve

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The smaller firm is now leading the market, having left its rivals behind. (Use "overtake")
  2. It is inevitable that electric cars will eventually be more popular than traditional gasoline vehicles. (Use "overtake")
  3. Our quarterly profits have gone beyond the targets we set for ourselves. (Do NOT use "overtake")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. overtake
  2. surpass
  3. overtake
  4. enhance

Exercise 2:

  1. A) pass, B) overtake
  2. C) overtake (A, D are also plausible depending on nuance, but C specifically means to surpass and often replace in importance/prevalence)
  3. A) prevent, B) avoid
  4. A) outpace, C) overtake, D) surpass (B is also plausible but slightly less direct than A, C, D)
  5. A) address, B) eliminate, C) reduce, D) resolve

Exercise 3:

  1. The smaller firm has now overtaken its rivals to lead the market.
  2. It is inevitable that electric cars will eventually overtake traditional gasoline vehicles in popularity.
  3. Our quarterly profits have exceeded the targets we set for ourselves.

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