Overtake-Take over | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Overtake vs. Take over

Overtake

/ˌəʊvəˈteɪk/
To move past something or someone that is moving in the same direction

Examples:

The runner managed to overtake the leader in the final stretch.Economic growth in Asia may overtake that of the West by 2030.Don't speed up to overtake! It’s dangerous in bad weather.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Take over

/sɔːt ˈəʊvə/
To assume control or responsibility from someone else

Examples:

After the merger, the new CEO will take over the company.The AI assistant will take over mundane tasks to boost efficiency.Grandma decided to take over the cooking for Thanksgiving.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • "Overtake" is often about speed or exceeding something or someone more quickly.
  • "Take over" usually involves assuming control or responsibility of something or someone.
  • If you see a race, think "overtake" when one racer speeds past another.
  • When you think about a change in management or leadership, think "take over."
  • "Overtake" is more commonly associated with competition or movement, while "take over" is about authority or control.
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