eavesdropping
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈiːvzdrɒpɪŋ/
KK: /ˈivzˌdrɒpɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of secretly listening to the private conversations of others without their knowledge.
Example
She was caught eavesdropping on her neighbors' discussion about the surprise party.
Conversation
Did you hear about the eavesdropping incident at the café yesterday?
No, what happened?
Apparently, someone was listening in on a private conversation at the next table.
That's so sneaky! I can't believe people actually do that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
snooping
spying
overhearing
Antonyms
ignoring
disregarding
neglecting
verb
Definition
Listening secretly to a conversation without the speakers knowing.
Example
She was caught eavesdropping on their private discussion.
Tense Forms
Past: eavesdropped
Past Participle: eavesdropped
Conversation
Did you hear about the party this weekend?
Yeah, I heard some people eavesdropping on the planning.
That's kind of sneaky, isn't it?
Root Explanation
Eavesdropping → It is formed from "eaves" (from Old English *yfes*, meaning the edge of a roof) and "dropping" (from the verb "drop", meaning to fall or let fall). The word originally referred to the act of listening secretly to conversations by standing under the eaves of a house where the sound would drop down.
Memory Tip
Imagine standing under the 'eaves' of a roof, where sounds 'drop' down, helping you remember that eavesdropping means secretly listening in on conversations.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.