• 
• 

In automobile mechanisms, those of you who drive, definitely know the "overdrive" function, which is a gear mechanism of the car. Overdrive is a high gear that motorists use when they are driving at high speed to maintain the driving speed with less output power.

In language, "overdrive" is used in a similar sense as in automobiles; something like excessive activity or hard work. The word can be used as either a noun or a verb.

His brain is constantly in overdrive; he can't slow down.

Another word with a similar sound but different meaning is "override". The past and past participle forms of this verb are "overrode" and "overridden". When the manager overrides the decision or order of a supervisor, he refuses to accept it or decides against it or the supervisor.

Sue said the principal has something against her; every time she makes a suggestion, he overrides it.

 

Or if something that is more powerful overrides another, it replaces the other thing or reduces its importance.

His need to find money for his mother's medical treatment has overridden all other matters.

    

But when you override an automatic machine you operate it by hand.

During the trip in a remote area of Chiang Mai, we stopped to fill up the tank but there was a blackout so we had to override the petrol pump.

 

 What about "overrule? This verb also has more than one meaning, which are similar to override but not the same. Firstly, in a court of law, if a judge overrules a decision, he decides it is not based on sound reasoning.

The decision to use the money from the social security fund to build a new parliament house was overruled by the court.

Secondly, when you overrule someone or overrule their objections or argument, you decide that what they have said is not allowed or is not valid.

Mr Weiner did not think that the argument of the labour union was sensible and overruled it.

    

Complete the sentences using the words explained

1. His marketing plan for our new product was awfully bad; so bad that the CEO ......his idea.

2. The school principal ...... the complaints of parents about the school's measures on internet security

3. Most students who prepare for the university entrance exam are often in ...... until the exam has passed.

4. The victory of the national football team has ...... any personal conflicts.

5. Give him a break; he has been in ...... for the last six months.

Answers: 1. overrode, 2. overruled, 3. overdrive, 4. overridden, 5. overdrive

By Parnsap Yomanage