B2 adjective Neutral

overseas

/ˌoʊ.vəˈsiːz/

Relating to, coming from, or situated in a country across the sea or ocean. It is used to describe international contexts, particularly travel, trade, or living arrangements in a foreign land.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I am planning an overseas trip for my summer vacation next year.

I am planning an overseas trip for my summer vacation next year.

2

The government is committed to increasing its overseas aid to developing nations.

The government is committed to increasing its overseas aid to developing nations.

3

My best friend is living overseas right now and says the food is amazing.

My best friend is living overseas right now and says the food is amazing.

Word Family

Adverb
overseas
Adjective
overseas
Related
sea
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Memory Tip

Just look at the word: 'Over' + 'Seas'. If you have to fly or sail over a sea to get there, it is an overseas destination.

Quick Quiz

Many universities are trying to attract more ______ students to diversify their campuses.

Correct!

The correct answer is: overseas

Examples

1

I am planning an overseas trip for my summer vacation next year.

everyday

I am planning an overseas trip for my summer vacation next year.

2

The government is committed to increasing its overseas aid to developing nations.

formal

The government is committed to increasing its overseas aid to developing nations.

3

My best friend is living overseas right now and says the food is amazing.

informal

My best friend is living overseas right now and says the food is amazing.

4

The research highlights the significant impact of overseas investment on domestic industrial growth.

academic

The research highlights the significant impact of overseas investment on domestic industrial growth.

5

Our primary goal this quarter is to expand our overseas market share in Southeast Asia.

business

Our primary goal this quarter is to expand our overseas market share in Southeast Asia.

Word Family

Adverb
overseas
Adjective
overseas
Related
sea

Common Collocations

overseas market overseas market
overseas student overseas student
overseas travel overseas travel
overseas investment overseas investment
overseas experience overseas experience

Common Phrases

go overseas

go overseas

overseas territories

overseas territories

overseas aid

overseas aid

Often Confused With

overseas vs abroad

Abroad is primarily an adverb used after verbs of movement, while overseas can be used as both an adjective before a noun and an adverb.

overseas vs foreign

Foreign refers to any country other than your own, whereas overseas specifically implies crossing a body of water.

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Usage Notes

When used as an adjective, 'overseas' always comes before the noun (e.g., overseas markets). It can also function as an adverb meaning 'to or in a foreign country' (e.g., he lives overseas).

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid saying 'to the overseas' or 'in the overseas.' Use it directly as an adverb ('he works overseas') or as an adjective ('his overseas work').

💡

Memory Tip

Just look at the word: 'Over' + 'Seas'. If you have to fly or sail over a sea to get there, it is an overseas destination.

📖

Word Origin

Originating in the late 16th century, the word combines the preposition 'over' with the noun 'sea' to describe lands across the water.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an attributive adjective (before a noun). Used as an adverb of place without a preposition. Does not have a comparative or superlative form.
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Cultural Context

In island nations like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, 'overseas' is the standard way to refer to almost any international travel.

Quick Quiz

Many universities are trying to attract more ______ students to diversify their campuses.

Correct!

The correct answer is: overseas

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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