overtake
B1-B2Neutral, common in both spoken and written language, especially in contexts of travel, business, and growth.
Definition
Meaning
to catch up with and pass someone or something moving in the same direction, often a vehicle.
To become greater or more significant than something else; to happen suddenly and have a strong effect on someone or something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb. In the literal sense, it implies motion and a change in relative position. Figuratively, it often describes events (e.g., misfortune) or one thing surpassing another in rate or importance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'overtake' identically for the core meaning. In the context of a vehicle passing another, 'pass' is more common in American English, while 'overtake' is equally common in British English.
Connotations
Neutral in both, though the figurative use ('to be overtaken by events') can carry a slightly formal or dramatic tone.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English in transport contexts; American English may prefer 'pass' or 'pull ahead' in casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] overtake [NP][NP] be overtaken by [NP][NP] overtake [NP] as [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Overtaken by events”
- “The quick overtake the dead (proverbial)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The startup aims to overtake the market leader within five years.
Academic
In the 18th century, coal began to overtake wood as the primary fuel source.
Everyday
Wait for a clear stretch of road before you overtake that tractor.
Technical
The new model's processor will overtake the current one in benchmark tests.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lorry was going so slowly we decided to overtake it.
- A sense of dread overtook her as she entered the dark room.
American English
- He signaled before he passed the truck on the highway.
- Online sales have finally overtaken brick-and-mortar revenue.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The blue car overtook the red car.
- Never overtake near a zebra crossing.
- Sales of electric vehicles are starting to overtake petrol models.
- She was overtaken by a faster runner in the final lap.
- The company was overtaken by its rivals due to a lack of innovation.
- A sudden storm overtook the hikers on the mountain.
- Feelings of nostalgia overtook him as he walked through his old neighbourhood.
- The political scandal quickly overtook all other news in the media cycle.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a race: you go OVER someone to TAKE their position. OVERTAKE.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT ALONG A PATH IS PROGRESS; BEING AHEAD IS BEING BETTER/SUCCESSFUL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'overcome' (преодолевать). 'Overtake' — это обгонять в движении или по показателям, а не преодолевать трудности.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I overtaked the car.' Correct: 'I overtook the car.'
- Incorrect: 'He was overtaking by success.' Correct: 'He was overtaken by success.' (passive)
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'overtake' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The past tense is 'overtook' and the past participle is 'overtaken'.
Yes, figuratively. E.g., 'A wave of fatigue overtook him.'
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both formal reports and everyday conversation about driving.
'Overtake' implies surpassing or catching up from behind. 'Overshadow' means to appear more important or to cast a shadow over, often metaphorically.