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Overtake vs. Take over

Overtake

/ˌəʊvəˈteɪk/

To move past something or someone going in the same direction, typically by using greater speed.

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/

The phrasal verb "take over" is commonly used in both informal and formal contexts, though it is slightly more prevalent in informal speech due to its versatility and ease of use. The phrase generally means to assume control or responsibility for something, whether it be a task, a position, or a company. In informal settings, you might hear it used in casual conversations, like "I'm going to take over dinner duties tonight," indicating a temporary assumption of control. In more formal contexts, "take over" is often used in business and media discussions, such as when one company takes over another through acquisition or when a new CEO takes over the leadership of a corporation. Its usage can imply both a temporary and permanent change in authority or control, depending on the situation, and it often suggests a seamless or planned transition. Despite its broad applicability, "take over" maintains a clear connotation of authority or responsibility being shifted from one entity to another.

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:

Overtake typically refers to the act of moving past someone or something in motion, such as a car overtaking another on the road.
While overtake is about catching up with and moving ahead of someone, take over involves gaining control or dominance over something.
Take over implies assuming responsibility or control, akin to someone taking over a project or position.
Visualize overtake by thinking of overtaking a runner on the track, which requires both speed and movement in the same direction as the runner.
Think of take over as taking charge or control, like when an executive takes over a company.

Master confusing words with ease

Overtake vs. Take over

Overtake

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Take over

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

When to use overtake:

When to use take over:

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