overhear
UK: ˌəʊvəˈhɪə | US: ˌoʊvərˈhɪr
vt. to hear (a conversation or speaker) without the speaker's awareness or intent
The word "overhear" combines the prefix "over-" (from Old English "ofer," meaning "above" or "beyond") with the verb "hear" (from Old English "hīeran," meaning "to perceive sound"). The prefix "over-" here implies an action done unintentionally or beyond the intended scope, giving "overhear" its modern sense of accidentally or secretly listening to a conversation. This construction reflects a logical progression from literal spatial positioning ("over") to metaphorical extension ("beyond intent").
She accidentally overheard her coworkers discussing the surprise party.
The waiter couldn’t help but overhear the couple’s argument.
I overheard a fascinating conversation about space travel on the train.
He pretended not to overhear the confidential details.
The walls were so thin that we often overheard our neighbors’ conversations.