Basic Details
Word: Overheard
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To hear something that was not intended for you to hear, often by accident.
Synonyms: Eavesdropped, listened in
Antonyms: Ignored, missed
Idioms and Phrases
- Overheard the grapevine: Used to describe information obtained informally, often through gossip. Example: "I overheard through the grapevine that there will be a school dance next month."
- Catch a whisper: To overhear a conversation or secret. Example: "While walking by, I caught a whisper about the surprise party for Emma."
Usage Examples
Example 1: I overheard my friends talking about planning a camping trip for next weekend.
Example 2: During class, I accidentally overheard the teacher discussing the upcoming test.
Example 3: While waiting in line, I overheard a conversation about a new movie coming out.
Fun Fact
Did you know that eavesdropping, which is similar to overhearing, comes from the Old English word "Äyþ," meaning the area around a house where a person might listen in on others' conversations?
Famous Quote
"The best way to keep your secrets is to tell no one." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "overheard" mean?
a) To ignore a sound
b) To hear something not meant for you
c) To see something quickly
d) To whisper something secretly
Answer: b) To hear something not meant for you
2. Which of these is a synonym of "overheard"?
a) Eavesdropped
b) Sang
c) Danced
d) Looked
Answer: a) Eavesdropped
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "overheard"?
a) Listened in
b) Ignored
c) Caught
d) Spoke
Answer: b) Ignored
4. Which sentence uses "overheard" correctly?
a) I overheard a lovely song on the radio.
b) I overheard my cat meowing.
c) I overheard the teacher while I was outside the classroom.
d) I overheard my homework last night.
Answer: c) I overheard the teacher while I was outside the classroom.
5. Which idiom means to hear something informally or secretly?
a) Catch a whisper
b) Speak up loud
c) Sing like a bird
d) Run like the wind
Answer: a) Catch a whisper
