Overheard Meaning in English
word · lemma: overhear
/ˈoʊvɝˈhɝd/
oh-vur-HURD
/ˌəʊvəhˈɜːd/
oh-vuh-HURD
Definition
Heard what someone else was saying, usually without them knowing and by accident.
Usage & Nuances
'Overheard' is past tense of 'overhear'. Used for accidental listening, not when people intend to spy. Common in stories and gossip. Don't confuse with 'heard' (intentional listening) or 'listen' (active action).
Spanish: escuchó accidentalmente - oír sin quererPortuguese (BR): ouviu sem querer - ouviu por acasoPortuguese (PT): ouviu sem querer - ouviu por acasoChinese (Simplified): 无意中听到 - 偷听到Chinese (Traditional): 無意中聽到 - 偷聽到Hindi: संयोग से सुन लिया - अनजाने में सुन लियाArabic: سمع بالصدفة - سمع دون قصدBengali: আনমনে শুনে ফেলা - অজান্তে শুনে ফেলাRussian: подслушал - случайно услышалJapanese: 偶然聞いてしまった - ふと耳にしたVietnamese: vô tình nghe được - nghe lỏmKorean: 우연히 듣다 - 엿듣다(우연히)Turkish: kulak misafiri olmak - istemeden duymakUrdu: اتفاقاً سن لیناIndonesian: tanpa sengaja mendengar - tak sengaja mendengar
Example Sentences
I overheard my parents talking about a surprise.
basic
She overheard someone say her name in the hallway.
basic
We overheard their conversation from the next table.
basic
I overheard you mentioning a trip to Paris—are you going soon?
natural
He apologized after realizing I had overheard his joke about me.
natural
It's amazing what you learn when you accidentally overheard other people's conversations.
natural