overhearing

[ˌəʊvəˈhɪərɪŋ]

overhearing Definition

to hear what other people are saying without intending to and without their knowledge.

Using overhearing: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "overhearing" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I couldn't help overhearing their conversation.

• Example

  She was caught overhearing her boss's private phone call.

• Example

  He was accused of overhearing confidential information.

overhearing Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for overhearing

• eavesdrop
• spy
• snoop
• listen in

Phrases with overhearing

• overhear oneself

  to hear one's own voice or thoughts unintentionally

  Example

  I could overhear myself singing in the shower.

• overhear something by accident

  to hear something unintentionally

  Example

  I overheard the news by accident while I was walking past the TV.

• overhear a conversation

  to hear a conversation that was not intended for one's ears

  Example

  I accidentally overheard a conversation between my parents about my surprise party.

📌

Summary: overhearing in Brief

'Overhearing' [ˌəʊvəˈhɪərɪŋ] is the act of unintentionally hearing what others are saying without their knowledge. It is often associated with eavesdropping, spying, or snooping. Examples include 'I couldn't help overhearing their conversation' and 'She was caught overhearing her boss's private phone call.' Phrases like 'overhear oneself' and 'overhear something by accident' describe different aspects of this phenomenon.