What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overstep
Example
I think you overstepped your authority by making that decision without consulting the team. [overstepped: verb]
Example
He felt that his privacy had been overstepped when his boss asked personal questions. [overstepped: past participle]
transgress
Example
The company was fined for transgressing environmental regulations. [transgressing: verb]
Example
She felt guilty for transgressing her religious beliefs. [transgressing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overstep is more commonly used in everyday language than transgress, which is more formal and less common.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overstep and transgress?
Transgress is more formal than overstep and is often used in legal or academic contexts.
