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Glite Dictionary
to overwrite

to overwrite

10 5.3
To write new data in a file so the old data is lost
  • verb
  • /ˌoʊvərˈraɪt/
  • Specialized
: sobreescribir
  • The software can automatically overwrite old files when new versions are saved.
  • overwrite a file
  • overwrite the drive
  • overwrite data

You could have it so it overwrites what's currently in that file.

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Examples

  • Store that new number, overwriting the old one.

  • Okay, well, the hotel has security footage, but it constantly overwrites.

    Missing (2023)

  • Remember that if you restore, it will overwrite your existing contacts.

    Blog text (25)

  • You could have it so it overwrites what's currently in that file.

    Computerphile

  • The installer should install in its own folder, not overwrite the other folder.

    Blog text (22)

  • Playback is extremely easy, and the DVR overwrites old recordings automatically.

    Blog text (7)

  • Whenever I try to sync calendars, it freezes, and even selecting to overwrite the device doesn't help.

    Blog text (25)

  • Now, with a dash Cam, they're always recording, but the way this works is it will overwrite previous footage on the SD card when it fills up.

  • If you don't back up your documents, you might accidentally overwrite important information.

  • Make sure to double-check your work, as saving will overwrite the existing file permanently.

Synonyms

to delete
vsto overwrite
370 2.0

To remove information like text or files so it cannot be seen

writes new data on top of old, replacing the previous content
to rewrite
vsto overwrite
184 2.8

To make a new version of a text to improve or change it

changes stored bits directly rather than rewriting wording or style
to write
vsto overwrite
  • Specialized
144 3.1

Put code or data onto a computer storage device

specifically replaces existing stored data by writing new bits over it
to wipe
vsto overwrite
  • Specialized
46 3.6

To erase all data on a computer or phone so it cannot be recovered

overwrites existing data by writing new information on top of old
to erase
vsto overwrite
19 1.6

Remove marks, writing, or digital files so they are no longer visible

writes new data over existing bits instead of simply removing them
to rerecord
vsto overwrite
2 3.8

Make a new audio or video version of something made before

applies to any stored data, not only media recordings

Antonyms

to preserve
504 3.4

To keep people and things safe from harm or change

How Complete

to destroy
∞ 1.0
to wipe
  • Specialized
46 3.6
to erase
355 2.2
to overwrite
  • Specialized
10 5.3
to modify
229 3.2
to append
8 4.6
to preserve
504 3.4

Surface Forms

overwrite infinitive
overwriting present participle
overwrites third person singular
overwrote past
overwritten past participle

Morphology

overwrite = write (transparent) = over + over + write

The verb is formed by adding the productive prefix 'over-' to 'write' meaning 'to write on top of', which directly matches the given sense.

Etymology

Overwrite is made of over- ('on top') and write ('to put words or data down'), so imagine writing on top of an old note or painting over a wall where the new layer hides the old one. That's why to overwrite a file means to put new data on top and replace the old data.