Definitions
- When someone accidentally hears a conversation that was not intended for them. - When someone hears something without the intention of listening. - When someone hears a conversation by chance or coincidence.
- When someone intentionally listens to a conversation that was not intended for them. - When someone secretly listens to a conversation. - When someone tries to hear what others are saying without being noticed.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve listening to conversations.
- 2Both can happen without the speaker's knowledge.
- 3Both can be considered intrusive or inappropriate behavior.
- 4Both can provide information that was not intended to be shared.
What is the difference?
- 1Intention: Overhearing is accidental while eavesdropping is intentional.
- 2Action: Overhearing involves hearing something without trying to listen while eavesdropping involves actively trying to listen.
- 3Connotation: Overhearing is generally considered less negative than eavesdropping, which can be seen as sneaky or dishonest.
- 4Degree of intrusion: Overhearing is less intrusive than eavesdropping since it happens by chance, while eavesdropping is a deliberate act of intrusion.
- 5Legal implications: Eavesdropping can be illegal in some situations, while overhearing is not.
Remember this!
Overhearing and eavesdropping both involve listening to conversations that were not intended for the listener. However, the difference between the two is the intention behind the act. Overhearing is accidental and happens without trying to listen, while eavesdropping is intentional and involves actively trying to listen. Additionally, eavesdropping has a more negative connotation and can be considered intrusive and even illegal in some situations.
