Overwrite Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 5, 2024
"Overwrite" means to write or record over existing data, thus replacing or obliterating the original content. e.g., Accidentally, he overwrote his essay with an empty document.
Table of Contents
Overwrite Definitions
Overwrite denotes saving a file in place of another, causing loss of the latter.
He overwrote the presentation with an older file by mistake.
Overwrite means to replace older data with new information.
She overwrote the old file with the updated version.
Overwrite can mean to record over something in a recording.
The musician overwrote the guitar track with a new solo.
Overwrite is used when editing to excessively refine or embellish text.
The editor cautioned the author not to overwrite the narrative.
Overwrite describes adding more information than necessary.
His habit to overwrite made his speeches unnecessarily long.
Overwrite refers to writing excessively or too elaborately.
His tendency to overwrite made the essay difficult to read.
Overwrite can mean to erase something by writing or typing over it.
She accidentally overwrote the signature on the document.
Overwrite can refer to a stylistic choice of overly elaborate writing.
The novel's descriptive passages were so overwritten, they detracted from the plot.
To cover (something) with writing.
To write about in an artificial or an excessively elaborate, wordy style.
To destroy or lose (old data) by recording new data over it
Accidentally overwrote an important document.
To record (new data) on top of already stored data, thus destroying the old data
Overwrote an updated document on top of an earlier draft.
To write artificial, excessively elaborate, or wordy prose.
To destroy (older) data by recording new data over it.
I accidentally saved my unwanted changes and overwrote the version of the document I wanted to keep.
(transitive) To cover in writing; to write over the top of.
(ambitransitive) To write too much.
(ambitransitive) To write in an unnecessarily complicated or florid way; to produce purple prose.
(computing) The operation of destroying older data by recording new data over it.
Write new data on top of existing data and thus erase the previously existing data;
Overwrite that file
Overwrite pertains to covering up or obscuring existing material.
The artist overwrote the initial sketch with bold colors.
Overwrite involves writing or inputting data on top of what already exists.
The code was overwrote, causing the program to malfunction.
Overwrite Snonyms
Overrule
Reject or annul (a decision or recommendation).
The committee's recommendation was overruled by the CEO.
Supersede
Take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant.
The new version of the software will supersede the old one.
Erase
Remove all traces of; remove from existence.
The chalkboard was erased for the next class.
Re-record
Record something again so as to replace a previous recording.
They had to re-record the song due to a technical error.
Override
Use one's authority to reject or cancel (a decision, view, etc.).
The manager's decision was overridden by the board.
Update
Make (something) more modern or up to date.
The database is updated regularly with new information.
Replace
Take the place of.
The worn parts were replaced during the service.
Renew
Resume (an activity) after an interruption.
The license was automatically renewed.
Revise
Re-examine and make alterations to (written or printed matter).
The author revised his manuscript based on the editor's feedback.
Overhaul
Take apart (a piece of machinery or equipment) in order to examine it and repair it if necessary.
The system needs to be completely overhauled.
Overwrite Idioms & Phrases
To overwrite one's welcome
To stay too long or become burdensome in a situation or place.
He overwrote his welcome by staying at his friend's house for months without contributing.
An overwrite of emotions
Experiencing emotions so intensely that they overshadow others.
His joy at the news was an overwrite of all other feelings.
To overwrite the line
Going beyond acceptable limits or boundaries.
In his ambition, he overwrote the line of ethical conduct.
Overwrite the rules
To change the established guidelines or norms in a significant way.
The new manager overwrote the rules of the workplace.
Overwrite the script
To change a plan or course of action completely.
The company had to overwrite the script of their business strategy due to the market crash.
Overwrite the odds
To succeed or win despite very low chances.
Against all expectations, he overwrote the odds and won the championship.
Overwrite the balance
To disrupt or change the equilibrium of a situation.
The sudden influx of new residents overwrote the balance of the small town.
Overwrite the past
To make changes or take actions that significantly alter one's history or previous experiences.
She aimed to overwrite the past by creating new, positive memories.
Overwrite the agenda
To change the main focus or priorities of a plan or meeting.
The urgent crisis overwrote the agenda of the committee meeting.
Overwrite the narrative
To change the direction or main theme of a story or discussion.
The whistleblower’s revelations overwrote the narrative of the scandal.
Overwrite and overshadow
To dominate or eclipse something or someone else completely.
Her performance overwrote and overshadowed all other actors in the play.
To overwrite one's fears
To conquer or overcome fears by facing them directly.
By skydiving, she overwrote her fear of heights.
A memory overwrite
Replacing old memories with new ones, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Moving to a new city was like a memory overwrite for him.
A bold overwrite
Making a change or statement in a very assertive and noticeable way.
The artist’s new style was a bold overwrite of her previous work.
Overwrite the expectation
To go beyond what is expected or anticipated.
His performance overwrote the expectation of all his critics.
To overwrite one’s image
To change the way one is perceived by others significantly.
With his latest project, he aimed to overwrite his image as just a comedic actor.
Overwrite a decision
To reverse or change a previously made decision.
The board voted to overwrite the CEO’s decision.
To overwrite one’s bounds
To exceed the limits of what is reasonable or acceptable.
In his critique, he overwrote his bounds and offended his colleagues.
Overwrite the record
To break a previous record or achieve a new level of success.
The athlete overwrote the record that had stood for decades.
An overwrite of authority
Exercising more power or control than is warranted or appropriate.
The supervisor’s actions were seen as an overwrite of authority.
Overwrite Example Sentences
The camera system overwrites the oldest footage automatically.
To update the app, it will overwrite some older files.
He didn't realize that saving the file would overwrite the previous version.
Be careful not to overwrite your original report.
The system's backup protocol is to overwrite data every 24 hours.
To fix the error, they had to overwrite the corrupted data.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called overwrite?
"Overwrite" is called so because it combines "over," implying excess or above, with "write," indicating the act of writing over something else, often implying replacement or covering up.
How do we divide overwrite into syllables?
"Overwrite" is divided into syllables as ov-er-write.
What is a stressed syllable in overwrite?
The second syllable, "er," is the stressed syllable in "overwrite."
What is the root word of overwrite?
The root word of "overwrite" is "write."
How is overwrite used in a sentence?
Example: "Be careful not to overwrite the important files on your computer."
What is the pronunciation of overwrite?
Overwrite is pronounced as /ˌoʊvərˈraɪt/.
What is the second form of overwrite?
The second form of "overwrite" is "overwrote."
What is the verb form of overwrite?
"Overwrite" itself is a verb form.
How many syllables are in overwrite?
There are three syllables in "overwrite."
What is the first form of overwrite?
The first form of "overwrite" is "overwrite."
What part of speech is overwrite?
"Overwrite" is a verb.
What is the plural form of overwrite?
"Overwrite" does not have a plural form as it is a verb.
Is overwrite a noun or adjective?
"Overwrite" is a verb.
Is overwrite an adverb?
No, "overwrite" is not an adverb.
Is overwrite a countable noun?
"Overwrite" is not a noun; it's a verb, so it is not countable.
Is the word “overwrite” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Overwrite" is a verb and thus can be used in sentences where it acts upon a direct object, but it itself is not a direct or indirect object.
Which determiner is used with overwrite?
As a verb, "overwrite" typically doesn't use a determiner.
What is the singular form of overwrite?
"Overwrite" itself is the singular form as it is a verb.
Is overwrite an abstract noun?
No, "overwrite" is a verb, not a noun.
Is overwrite a collective noun?
No, "overwrite" is not a collective noun.
Is the overwrite term a metaphor?
"Overwrite" can be used metaphorically in some contexts, especially in non-literal or figurative language.
Which vowel is used before overwrite?
The choice of vowel before "overwrite" depends on the preceding word in a sentence.
What is the third form of overwrite?
The third form of "overwrite" is "overwritten."
What is the opposite of overwrite?
The opposite of "overwrite" could be "underwrite" or "preserve."
Is the word overwrite is imperative?
"Overwrite" can be used in the imperative form in commands or requests.
What is another term for overwrite?
Another term for "overwrite" is "superscribe" or "overwrite completely."
Which article is used with overwrite?
As a verb, "overwrite" does not typically require an article.
Is overwrite a negative or positive word?
"Overwrite" is generally neutral, but it can have a negative connotation if it implies loss of data or information.
Is overwrite a vowel or consonant?
"Overwrite" is a word, not a vowel or consonant. However, it starts with a vowel.
Is the word overwrite Gerund?
The gerund form of "overwrite" is "overwriting."
Which preposition is used with overwrite?
Prepositions like "on" or "with" can be used with "overwrite," depending on the context.
Which conjunction is used with overwrite?
Conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or" can be used with "overwrite," depending on the sentence structure.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
