override

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "override" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one action or decision takes precedence over another, often in technical or programming discussions. Example: "To ensure the new settings are applied, you need to override the default configurations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Consequently, we unanimously believe that our loyalty to the Belgiorno-Nettis family – and the hundreds of thousands of people who benefit from the Biennale – must override claims over which there is ambiguity".

The Guardian - Arts

Medea is a very good parser that lets you override the default parser so you can parse everything as a list rather than as a list or a vector.

The Guardian

However, on 10 February, Carmody phoned the executive director of the courts, Julie Steel, to instruct her to override Boddice's instructions.

The Guardian

"Nike is such a juggernaut: it seems to have this ability to override all kinds of crises," said Ellis Cashmore, professor of sociology at Aston University, who has written about Nike in books and articles.

The Guardian - Sport

But Bratza did not see that proposal as comparable to the "democratic override" which, as the government's commission on a bill of rights disclosed last July, is supported by some of its members.

The Guardian

It would then take an operator or technician to override that failsafe.

The Guardian

Questioning the necessity for elections, Mr Mesbah-Yazdi, a hardline cleric, said the system's Islamic component should override the republican element, meaning officials should derive their authority from God rather than people's votes.

The Guardian

Lenihan cannot override that judgment, but the bill to pay off the rest of Foy's colleagues could be €40m.

The Guardian - Opinion

The report noted the cremators had no infant setting and staff did not realise they could override presets.

The Guardian

Those who feel that such arrangements are illegitimate or that there should be what is now often called a "democratic override" should indeed be able to exit from them – that is the whole point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Allowing states to override decisions of the human rights court would be contrary to the rule of law and "totally destructive of the system," Sir Nicolas Bratza, the court's British president, has told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "override" when you want to indicate that one thing takes precedence over another, especially in technical or formal contexts. For example, "The system administrator can override the user's settings".

Common error

Avoid using "override" in very casual conversation where simpler words like "ignore" or "cancel" might be more appropriate. Using "override" in informal settings can sound overly formal or technical.

Linguistic Context

The word "override" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the act of negating or taking precedence over something else. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts where a decision, setting, or function is being superseded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "override" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb, signifying the act of taking precedence or negating something established. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, indicating its widespread application. While synonyms like "overrule" and "counteract" exist, "override" is particularly suited for scenarios involving technical or formal contexts. When using "override", ensure the context is appropriate, avoiding overly formal usage in casual conversations. Overall, "override" is a common and useful term for expressing authority and control over established processes or decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overrule

Implies rejecting a decision or authority, often in a legal or hierarchical context.

counteract

Focuses on neutralizing or diminishing the effect of something.

supersede

Suggests replacing something with a newer or more effective alternative.

nullify

Indicates making something invalid or without legal effect.

disregard

Emphasizes ignoring or paying no attention to something.

invalidate

Highlights the act of making something legally or officially void.

set aside

Suggests temporarily ignoring or postponing something.

disallow

Focuses on not permitting something.

quash

Implies suppressing or completely rejecting something, often an action or feeling.

repeal

Specifically refers to revoking or annulling a law or regulation.

FAQs

How is "override" used in programming?

In programming, "override" means to redefine a method in a subclass that is already defined in its superclass. This allows the subclass to provide a specific implementation of a method that is inherited from the parent class.

What is the difference between "override" and "overrule"?

"Override" typically means to counteract the normal operation of something, while "overrule" means to reject a decision or authority. For instance, Congress can "override a veto", and a judge can "overrule an objection".

When should I use "override" instead of "replace"?

Use "override" when you are counteracting or taking precedence over something established. Use "replace" when you are simply substituting one thing for another without necessarily negating the original's authority or function. They are similar but not interchangeable.

What are some synonyms for "override"?

Some synonyms for "override" include "overrule", "counteract", "supersede", and "nullify". The best choice depends on the specific context.