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overlook, oversee, oversight

Overlook means to neglect, to fail to notice, or to observe from above.

  • Because a blizzard had paralyzed the city, Helen asked me to overlook her late arrival.
  • Thomas’s Restaurant sits on a high bluff and overlooks the Grand River.

Oversee means to supervise.

  • The committee oversees all expenditures.

Oversight refers to either supervision or an error caused by neglect or inattention.

  • The company commended Gregory for his oversight of the project.
  • Because of an oversight, Isabelle kept the library books two weeks past the due date.