Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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override, overrides, overriding, overridden, overrode

Synonyms: annul, nullify, veto, supersede, countermand

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Antonyms: uphold, support, approve, validate, permit

The Verb Override – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb override is an irregular verb. Its core meaning is to use one's authority to cancel or reject a decision, or for one thing to take precedence over another. It is also used frequently in computing.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: override
■ Past Simple: overrode
■ Past Participle: overridden
■ Present Participle/Gerund: overriding


USAGE AND CONTEXT


The verb override implies a sense of hierarchy, where a higher power, rule, or setting cancels out a lower one.


1. Authority and Decision-Making
This refers to a person or body using their power to reject a prior decision.


■ Government: 'Congress gathered enough votes to override the president's veto.'
■ Management: 'Although the team voted against it, the director overrode their decision.'


2. Precedence and Importance
This describes a situation where one factor is more important than another and must be prioritized.


■ 'For emergency services, the need to save a life overrides traffic laws.'
■ 'Safety concerns should always override financial targets.'


3. Technology and Computing
In this context, it means to supply a new value or function that replaces a default or inherited one.


■ 'You can override the default settings in the software's configuration file.'
■ 'The new CSS rule will override the old one.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: RELATED TERMS AND DISTINCTIONS


■ Noun Form: 'An override' refers to the mechanism or action of overriding. Example: 'The machine has a manual override switch in case the automated system fails.'


■ Override vs. Overrule: These are very similar, but 'overrule' is primarily used in a legal or formal setting (a judge overrules an objection). 'Override' is used more broadly in management, technology, and general contexts.