Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəhˈi͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "overhear" is spelled with the prefix "over-" which means "above, excessively, or too much." The root word "hear" is spelled with the long "e" sound and a silent "h" at the beginning. The phonetic transcription for "overhear" is /ˌoʊvərˈhɪr/. It means to accidentally hear something that was not intended for you. Make sure you spell "overhear" correctly to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings in written communication.
The verb "overhear" refers to the unintentional act of hearing a conversation, remark, or information that was meant to be private or not directed towards the individual who is listening. It occurs when one inadvertently catches snippets or the entirety of a conversation or audio exchange in which they were not intended to be a participant or listener. This act typically happens when someone is within close proximity to others who are engaged in dialogue and happens to catch some or all of what is being said without intentionally trying to listen.
The action of overhearing can happen in various situations, such as public spaces, offices, cafés, or homes, where individuals communicate or engage in conversations without being aware that their words might be overheard by others. It is essential to note that overhearing is often unintentional, as it does not involve any proactive eavesdropping or deliberate invasion of privacy. Instead, it occurs incidentally when someone happens to be in the vicinity or earshot of the conversation, inadvertently capturing the audible information.
Overhearing can also occur through electronic means, such as phone conversations, video chats, or electronic messages erroneously forwarded to an unintended recipient. This unintended access to conversations or information can lead to unexpected insights or awareness regarding topics or situations that were never meant for the person overhearing.
In summary, overhear implies unintentionally catching or unintentionally listening to a conversation or information without the speaker's knowledge or intention.
To hear what is not intended to be heard by one; to hear by accident.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "overhear" has its etymology rooted in Middle English. It originated from the combination of two words: "over" and "hear".
The prefix "over-" in this context means "above" or "beyond". It indicates an action or situation that surpasses or goes beyond what is expected or usual.
The verb "hear" comes from the Old English word "hieran", which means "to perceive by ear" or "to listen". It has Germanic origins and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
Therefore, "overhear" essentially means to hear something that was not intended for one's ears or to accidentally listen in on a conversation in which one is not directly involved.
