overcomes

Overcomes is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb overcome. In English, to overcome means to prevail over a problem, obstacle, or adversity, or to conquer a difficulty through effort, skill, or persistence. It can apply to physical, mental, emotional, or situational challenges. Common constructions include "overcomes obstacles," "overcomes adversity," and "overcomes fear."

Etymology: The verb overcome is formed from the prefix over- meaning "above, beyond" and the verb come, with its sense developing into "to come over" in the sense of surpassing or getting the better of someone or something. The word dates to Middle English; its past tense is "overcame" and its past participle "overcome." The present tense form "overcomes" occurs with third-person singular subjects.

Usage notes: Overcomes is typically transitive, taking a direct object such as "difficulties" or "obstacles." It is often contrasted with "overcame" (past) and with "overcoming" (present participle). In a passive or adjectival sense, "overcome" can describe someone who is overwhelmed, as in "He was overcome with joy."

Examples: She overcomes many challenges to graduate. The team overcomes improbable odds to win the game. He was overcome by fatigue after the race.

See also: overcome, overcoming, overwhelmed, resilience.