overhear

Overhear is a verb meaning to hear something without the intention to listen, often by accident. It typically refers to hearing a remark, conversation, or other information that was not directed at the listener.

Common forms are overhears, overheard, and overhearing. It is used in contexts such as "I happened to overhear their plan" or "She overheard her name mentioned." The act may occur when background noise or distance allows unintended listening.

Overhear is distinct from eavesdrop, which implies deliberate listening and sometimes intrusion. Overhearing often carries no suggestion of consent and can reveal private information without the listener's intent to obtain it. In practice, overheard information can be surprising, or used as an aside in conversation. People may be cautious when others report overhearing sensitive remarks.

Etymology: The word combines the prefix over- with hear, forming a term recorded in English from the Early Modern period. Its core sense—passive, incidental reception of sound—remains central to contemporary usage.