Word a Day
overcome
What does overcome mean?
overcome (verb): to surmount (a physical or abstract obstacle); to prevail over, to get the better of.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use overcome in a sentence?
- You must overcome all difficulties. (Princeton WordNet 3.1)
- He overcame his shyness. (Princeton WordNet 3.1)
- He overcame his infirmity. (Princeton WordNet 3.1)
How do you pronounce overcome?
/ˌoʊvəɹˈkʌm/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does overcome come from?
Inherited from Middle English overcomen, inherited from Old English ofercuman (“to overcome, subdue, compel, conquer, obtain, attain, reach, overtake”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What are synonyms of overcome?
From Princeton WordNet 3.1.
Test yourself: do you know “overcome”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “overcome” mean?
to be the first to do or achieve (something), preparing the way for others to follow
Not quite: that's what pioneer means.
to allow or permit without explicit approval, usually if it is perceived as negative
Not quite: that's what tolerate means.
to come or go near, in place or time; to move toward; to advance nearer; to draw nigh
Not quite: that's what approach means.
to surmount (a physical or abstract obstacle); to prevail over, to get the better of
Right! That's what “overcome” means.
Which word is closest in meaning to “overcome”?
return
Not quite: return means something else.
report
Not quite: report means something else.
defeat
Right!
happen
Not quite: happen means something else.
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