overcome
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈkʌm/
KK: /oʊvərˈkʌm/
intransitive verb
Definition
To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty; to conquer or defeat something.
Example
She was able to overcome her fears and speak in public.
Tense Forms
Past: overcame
Past Participle: overcome
Conversation
I really admire how you overcome challenges so easily.
Thanks! I try to stay positive and focused on my goals.
That's a great mindset; I need to overcome my fears too.
Just take it one step at a time, and you'll get there.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
conquer
defeat
prevail
Antonyms
fail
yield
surrender
transitive verb
Definition
To succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty; to conquer or defeat something.
Example
She was able to overcome her fears and speak in public.
Tense Forms
Past: overcame
Past Participle: overcome
Conversation
I really admire how you always overcome your challenges.
Thanks! I just try to stay positive and keep pushing forward.
That’s a great mindset. I wish I could overcome my fears like you do.
Root Explanation
Overcome → It is formed from "over-" (meaning above or beyond) and "come" (from Old English "cuman", meaning to arrive or to reach). The word "overcome" means to reach a point above or beyond a challenge or obstacle, effectively defeating it.
Memory Tip
Think of going 'above' ('over-') a challenge and 'reaching' it ('come') — that's how you overcome something.
Visually Confused Words
unovercome
owercome