Overwrite vs. Override — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 22, 2023
To overwrite is to replace existing data with new data. To override is to bypass or replace a previous command or decision.
Difference Between Overwrite and Override
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Overwrite generally refers to the act of replacing existing data with new data. It's akin to writing over something that already exists. On the other hand, override typically denotes the action of taking precedence over or bypassing a system, command, or decision.
In the context of programming, overwrite can relate to the alteration of the content in memory locations. Override, in this context, often refers to a subclass in object-oriented programming providing a specific implementation of a method that is already defined by one of its superclasses. This new implementation takes precedence over the inherited method.
When we talk about physical actions, to overwrite can mean to write over a previously written piece of text, such as striking out an error and writing the correction above it. Override, in a more physical context, could mean manually forcing a mechanism to operate despite an electronic or automated control suggesting otherwise, like overriding a locked security door to gain access.
In everyday speech, overwrite might be used when discussing accidentally replacing a saved document on a computer with a new version. "I accidentally overwrote my essay with a blank document." Meanwhile, override can be used to signify going against a decision or authority. "The president's veto was overridden by a two-thirds majority in Congress."
The concepts of overwrite and override, though different, both involve the idea of one thing taking the place of another. Whether it's data being replaced or a decision being bypassed, the essence lies in the displacement or supersession of one by another.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Replace existing data with new data.
Bypass or replace a previous command or decision.
Usage in Programming
Altering the content in memory locations.
A subclass providing a specific implementation.
Physical Context
Writing over a previously written text.
Manually forcing a mechanism to operate.
Everyday Example
Replacing a saved document with a new version.
Going against a decision or authority.
Underlying Concept
One piece of data replacing another.
One decision or command taking precedence.
Compare with Definitions
Overwrite
Replace existing information with new information.
I accidentally overwrote my project with an older version.
Override
To set aside or nullify, especially through superior force or authority.
The manager can override the automated denial.
Overwrite
To write on top of existing text.
He overwrote the incorrect word with the right one in pen.
Override
To prevail over or dominate.
Her fear of heights was overridden by her desire to see the view.
Overwrite
To supersede data in a storage medium.
When she saved the document, it overwrote the original file.
Override
Use one's authority to reject or cancel (a decision, view, etc.)
The courts will ultimately override any objections
Overwrite
To obliterate with a layer of something.
The graffiti was overwritten with a coat of paint.
Override
Ride (a horse) too hard
Overwrite
To cover original markings or inscriptions.
The ancient manuscript had been overwritten multiple times.
Override
To trample on.
Overwrite
Write too elaborately or ornately
There is a tendency to overwrite their parts and fall into cliché
Override
Counteract the normal operation of (an automatic gear shift in a vehicle)
Overwrite
Write on top of (other writing)
Many names had been scratched out or overwritten
Override
To replace a method or property inherited from an ancestor class.
In this subclass, we override the base class's method.
Overwrite
(in insurance) accept more risk than the premium income limits allow.
Override
To ride across.
Overwrite
To cover (something) with writing.
Override
To ride beyond.
Overwrite
To write about in an artificial or an excessively elaborate, wordy style.
Override
To ride (a horse) too hard.
Overwrite
To destroy or lose (old data) by recording new data over it
Accidentally overwrote an important document.
Override
To prevail over; conquer
Budgetary concerns overrode all other considerations.
Overwrite
To record (new data) on top of already stored data, thus destroying the old data
Overwrote an updated document on top of an earlier draft.
Override
To declare null and void; set aside
Overrode the president's veto.
Overwrite
To write artificial, excessively elaborate, or wordy prose.
Override
To counteract the normal operation of (an automatic control).
Overwrite
To destroy (older) data by recording new data over it.
I accidentally saved my unwanted changes and overwrote the version of the document I wanted to keep.
Override
See royalty.
Overwrite
(transitive) To cover in writing; to write over the top of.
Override
A mechanism or system used to counteract an automatic control.
Overwrite
(ambitransitive) To write too much.
Override
The act or an instance of nullifying.
Overwrite
(ambitransitive) To write in an unnecessarily complicated or florid way; to produce purple prose.
Override
To ride across or beyond something.
Overwrite
(computing) The operation of destroying older data by recording new data over it.
Override
To ride a horse too hard.
Overwrite
Write new data on top of existing data and thus erase the previously existing data;
Overwrite that file
Override
To counteract the normal operation of something; to countermand with orders of higher priority.
Congress promptly overrode the president's veto, passing the bill into law.
Override
A royalty.
Override
A device for prioritizing audio signals, such that certain signals receive priority over others.
Override
(object-oriented) A method with the same name and signature as a method in a superclass, which runs instead of that method, when an object of the subclass is involved.
Override
To ride over or across; to ride upon; to trample down.
The carter overridden with [i. e., by] his cart.
Override
To suppress; to destroy; to supersede; to annul; to nullify; as, one law overrides another; to override a veto.
Override
To countermand; to overrule; as, a supervisor may override the decision of a subordinate.
Override
To replace (one system with another); as, the pilot overrode the automatic pilot and took manual control of the airplane.
Override
To ride beyond; to pass; to outride.
I overrode him on the way.
Override
To ride too much; to ride, as a horse, beyond its strength.
Override
A manually operated device to correct the operation of an automatic device
Override
The act of nullifying; making null and void; counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something
Override
Rule against;
The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill
Override
Prevail over;
Health considerations override financial concerns
Override
To bypass or circumvent.
The alarm system has a code to override it during emergencies.
Override
To overpower or overrun.
The demand for the product quickly overrode the available supply.
Override
Interrupt the action of (an automatic device), typically in order to take manual control
You can override the cut-out by releasing the switch
Override
Extend over; overlap
The external rendering should not override the damp-proof membrane
Override
Travel or move over
Overriding by vehicles is implicated in over half the cases of footway damage
Override
A device for suspending an automatic function on a machine
The flash has to have a manual override to be useful
Override
An excess or increase on a budget, salary, or cost
Commission overrides give established carriers an unfair advantage
Override
A cancellation of a decision by exertion of authority or winning of votes
The House vote in favour of the bill was 10 votes short of the requisite majority for an override
Override
To extend over; overlap.
Override
A sales commission collected by an executive in addition to the commission received by a subordinate salesperson.
Override
To ride over the top of something, usually forcibly.
Override
To give commands of a higher priority to an automated system; to take manual control of an automated system
Manual controls allow the user to override the camera's default settings.
Override
(object-oriented) To define a new behaviour of a method by creating the same method of the superclass with the same name and signature.
How the cat runs is defined in the method
run() of the class Cat, which overrides the same method with the same signature of superclass called Mammal.Override
A mechanism, device or procedure used to counteract an automatic control.
Common Curiosities
Can overwritten data be recovered?
In many cases, once data is overwritten, especially on digital storage devices, it becomes very difficult or impossible to recover the original data.
How is override used in programming?
In programming, especially object-oriented programming, override refers to a subclass providing its own specific implementation of a method that's already defined in one of its superclasses.
Is overwriting the same as deleting?
No, overwriting involves replacing existing data with new data, whereas deleting is removing data altogether.
What are the consequences of overriding in coding?
In coding, overriding allows a subclass to change the behavior of a method from its superclass, enabling more specialized behavior.
In what context might someone unintentionally overwrite something?
Someone might unintentionally overwrite a document or file when saving a new version with the same name without realizing the original will be replaced.
Do overwrite and override mean the same in all contexts?
No, while both involve one thing taking the place of another, overwrite typically pertains to replacing data, while override relates to bypassing or taking precedence over a decision or command.
How do overwrite and override differ in the context of authority?
Overwriting in the context of authority might involve replacing or updating a directive, while overriding suggests going against or overruling an existing decision or directive.
What does it mean to overwrite data?
Overwriting data means replacing current data with new data, often resulting in the loss of the original data.
When might one need to override a decision?
One might need to override a decision when a higher authority or subsequent piece of information necessitates a change from the original choice.
Is overriding always an intentional action?
While overriding is typically intentional, especially in contexts like programming, in daily life, decisions or actions may be overridden due to unforeseen circumstances or new information.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
