What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
miss
Example
I miss my family when I'm away from home. [miss: verb]
Example
The baseball player missed the ball and struck out. [missed: past tense]
Example
I'm sorry I missed your party last night. [missed: past participle]
overlook
Example
I overlooked the typo in my essay. [overlooked: past tense]
Example
Let's overlook his mistake this time. [overlook: verb]
Example
Our hotel room overlooked the ocean. [overlooked: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Miss is more commonly used than overlook in everyday language, especially in emotional contexts. Overlook is more formal and less common, often used in professional or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between miss and overlook?
Overlook is more formal than miss and is often used in professional or academic settings. It can also imply a level of forgiveness or leniency, making it a more diplomatic choice in certain situations. Miss, on the other hand, is more casual and informal, making it suitable for everyday conversations and personal writing.
