overwrite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwrite" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to computing or data management, where it refers to replacing existing data with new data. Example: "When you save the document, it will overwrite the previous version unless you choose to save it as a new file."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there are exceptions, and cases have set precedents permitting warrantless searches of purses, briefcases, address books and pagers, where incoming messages might overwrite earlier ones.

The Economist

Since the strength of a memory seems to depend on the strength of connections between groups of nerve cells, the infuriating fallibility of memory may be a necessary consequence of retaining the ability to overwrite what you know when you discover that it is no longer correct.

The Economist

The Rubin did a smart job with such a disparate pairing Mr Moody, an author who has been described as having "a compulsion to overwrite", was emotional, cutting and articulate.

The Economist

Then, after attaching a USB thumb drive to the phone, half a second to pop the battery in and out, and just minutes to analyse and retrieve passwords and other data.Mr Müller says breaches can be easily prevented by an operating system being programmed to overwrite both RAM and flash memory when the open bootloader is triggered, or disabling the open-bootload option altogether.

The Economist

Overall, the generals want to overwrite his brand with the only stronger one in Thailand: the monarchy.Perhaps it makes sense for the new government to obscure its predecessor's achievements while stealing its best clothes.

The Economist

The reader and writer must be synchronized so that the writer does not overwrite existing data with new data until the reader has processed it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So now the question is whether to stay with Classic Original Scent, thereby causing my brain to gradually overwrite my collection of father-related fragrance files, eventually making them irretrievable, or to set it aside and use it only on special occasions.

The New Yorker

(To overwrite, in computing, means to destroy old data by storing new data in their place; overwriting is an artifact of an era when computer storage was very expensive).

The New Yorker

Police violence does not reflect the failure of empathy alone, and empathy cannot overwrite racial bias and structural inequality.

The New Yorker

It will overwrite what you think you know of European art, from Giotto to Goya.

The New Yorker

We will all be doing so with a fresh sense of how easy it is for the future to overwrite the past, a new sense that our world is contingent, piled up on fragile piers, the stuff that dreams are made of.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, avoid the temptation to "overwrite" passages. Sometimes, less is more.

Common error

While overwriting data makes it significantly harder to recover, it's not always a guarantee of complete erasure. For highly sensitive information, consider using specialized software that performs multiple overwrites or physical destruction of the storage medium.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overwrite" is a transitive verb. It signifies the action of replacing existing data or information with new data, as Ludwig highlights. This action directly affects the object being overwritten.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "overwrite" is a common and grammatically sound verb that signifies the act of replacing existing data or information. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across diverse contexts, including data management, creative writing, and general communication. While often neutral, the professional and technical nature of its origin give it a more formal register than other similar terms, such as "replace" or "supersede". It's important to exercise caution when overwriting data, particularly in digital contexts, and to avoid the temptation to "overwrite" in writing, ensuring a balanced and effective style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

replace

Replaces something with a newer version or alternative.

supersede

Takes the place of something previously in use or authority.

override

Nullifies or cancels the effect of a previous action or setting.

erase and replace

Indicates a complete removal and substitution.

write over

Literally means to write on top of something, obscuring the original.

blanket

Covers or affects everything.

displace

Removes from the original position or role.

negate

Causes something to be ineffective or invalid.

cancel out

Neutralizes or eliminates the effect of something.

substitute

Replaces something with another, often similar, item.

FAQs

What does "overwrite" mean in the context of computing?

In computing, "overwrite" means to replace existing data with new data. This is a common operation when saving files or updating information on a storage device.

How can I prevent accidentally overwriting important files?

Enable version history in your software or use cloud storage services that automatically save previous versions of your files. This allows you to revert to an earlier version if you accidentally "replace" a file.

Is simply deleting a file the same as overwriting it?

No, simply deleting a file only removes the reference to it in the file system, but the data remains on the storage device. Overwriting, on the other hand, writes new data over the old data, making it more difficult to recover.

When is it important to securely "overwrite" data?

Securely overwriting data is crucial when disposing of storage devices containing sensitive information, such as personal data, financial records, or confidential business documents. This prevents unauthorized access to the data.