Overstep Meaning in English
word
ˈoʊvɝˌstɛp
OH-ver-STEP
ˌəʊvəstˈɛp
oh-vuh-STEP
Definition
To go beyond what is allowed or acceptable, often by breaking rules or boundaries.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in formal or semi-formal contexts: 'overstep your authority/boundaries'. Often negative, implying a mistake or lack of respect. Not used for physical movement—use 'step over' for literal actions.
Spanish: exceder - traspasar (límites)Portuguese (BR): exceder - ultrapassar (limite)Portuguese (PT): exceder - ultrapassar (limite)Chinese (Simplified): 逾越 - 超越（界限）Chinese (Traditional): 逾越 - 超越（界限）Hindi: सीमा पार करनाArabic: تجاوز (الحدود) - تخطىBengali: সীমা ছাড়ানো - অধিকর্তৃত্ব অতিক্রম করাRussian: переступать границы - превышать полномочияJapanese: 越権行為をする - 出過ぎたことをするVietnamese: vượt quá giới hạn - vượt quyềnKorean: 선을 넘다 - 권한을 넘다Turkish: haddini aşmak - yetkisini aşmakUrdu: حد سے بڑھ جانا - اختیارات سے تجاوز کرناIndonesian: melampaui batas - melampaui wewenang
Example Sentences
He overstepped when he made that comment in the meeting.
basic
Try not to overstep your boundaries at work.
basic
She apologized for overstepping her authority.
basic
I didn't mean to overstep, just trying to help.
natural
Sometimes parents overstep when giving advice to their adult children.
natural
If you overstep again, there may be consequences.
natural