overcome vs overtake

Both 'overcome' and 'overtake' are correct English words, but they have different meanings and usage. 'Overcome' is used to describe successfully dealing with a problem or difficulty, while 'overtake' is used to describe passing someone or something in a race or journey.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 587 views

The word 'overcome' is correct and commonly used in English to describe successfully dealing with a problem or difficulty.

"overcome"

Use 'overcome' when you want to express the idea of successfully dealing with a problem, obstacle, or difficulty. It implies a sense of victory or triumph over the challenge.

Examples:

She was able to overcome her fear of public speaking.
They worked together to overcome the financial crisis.
He overcame his shyness to make new friends.

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Normally money can overcome such obstacles.
Cesare helped me overcome this cowardice.
So everyone here should overcome his worst fear.
Heat can thus largely overcome gravity stability.
I was overcome by sickness and wished that they would bury me.
Maybe this will overcome your reluctance.
You should have strong determination to overcome it.
Hopefully, their relationship is strong enough to overcome it.
You-you've overcome all those nagging self-doubts.
You've overcome something truly horrific.
The consensus showed a willingness to work together to overcome differences.
Gilbert must overcome all obstacles along his difficult path.
Nevertheless, by faith we overcome all things.
Huddles all fishing guides must overcome to be successful.
And help them overcome their flaws.
KonSULT is a website designed to help overcome these weaknesses.
We really must overcome this problem.
Europe must take collective action to overcome the current situation.
Action is required to help overcome these difficulties.
We have overcome distrust and antagonism with national parliaments.

Alternatives:

conquer
surmount
master
defeat
triumph over

The word 'overtake' is correct and commonly used in English to describe passing someone or something in a race or journey.

"overtake"

Use 'overtake' when you want to describe the action of passing or moving ahead of someone or something, especially in a race, journey, or competition.

Examples:

The car overtook the truck on the highway.
She overtook the leading runner in the final stretch of the race.
Our company plans to overtake the competition in market share.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mansell tries to overtake, but he goes straight on.
Here's Payson Keeler. Looking to overtake Kelly Parker.
Achilles tries to overtake the tortoise, but cannot.
With the woman, they can overtake us.
I was ordered to overtake Your Excellency.
I'll overtake the train, blow the rail line.
A few men fleet upon horse could overtake him and broach trade.
Thus the chase goes on infinitely... and Achilles can never overtake Tortoise.
Craig Perry shuts the door as Mark Helfrich tries to overtake him.
But even by NetApplications' metrics, Chrome could overtake Firefox by mid-2012.
Always pass (overtake) on the outside (right) lane.
It can overtake the entire plant in less than a week.
I also lost further time trying to overtake Miller.
In the beginning I first had to overtake Eugene Laverty and Tom Sykes.
During the race it will be difficult to overtake on this track like Monte-Carlo.
Photo machine specific pugnacious species, able to overtake and compete.
All of this suggests that Chrome will overtake Firefox as the number 2 browser very soon.
The Nasari vessels will overtake us in two minutes.
Sooner or later they will overtake us.

Alternatives:

pass
surpass
outstrip
outpace
go past

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overcome vs overtake

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