Overwrite vs. Override: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Overwrite" means to replace existing data or content with new data, while "Override" refers to superseding or bypassing existing rules, functions, or decisions.
Key Differences
"Overwrite" implies the act of writing over something already existing, essentially replacing it. "Override" involves bypassing or taking precedence over something already in place.
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Nov 20, 2023
In computing, "overwrite" happens when new data replaces old data on storage media. "Override" in programming refers to a method that replaces a method in a superclass.
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"Overwrite" is often used in the context of file storage, where saving a file again replaces the old version. "Override" can refer to ignoring or invalidating previous commands or settings.
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The action of "overwriting" can lead to loss of original data if not backed up. "Override" often provides a mechanism to change default behavior or settings.
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"Overwrite" may be unintentional, resulting in data loss. In contrast, "override" is usually a deliberate action to change how a system operates.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Replace existing content with new
Supersede or bypass existing rules or functions
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Impact on Original Data
Erases or replaces original data
Leaves original but bypasses its function
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Intentionality
Can be accidental or intentional
Generally a deliberate action
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Outcome
Results in loss of previous version
Alters behavior without erasing the original
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Overwrite and Override Definitions
Overwrite
To write over and replace existing content.
I accidentally overwrote the report with an older version.
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Override
Changing system behavior from default.
The technician overrode the automatic shutdown feature.
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Overwrite
Replacing old data with new on a storage medium.
The software update overwrites the old files.
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Overwrite
Erasing previous data by writing new data.
Overwriting the disk will erase all its contents.
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Overwrite
To record or copy over something.
He overwrote the video with new footage.
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Overwrite
Superseding previous content in writing or editing.
The editor overwrote the original text with revisions.
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Override
To prevail over; conquer
Budgetary concerns overrode all other considerations.
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Overwrite
To write about in an artificial or an excessively elaborate, wordy style.
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Overwrite
To destroy or lose (old data) by recording new data over it
Accidentally overwrote an important document.
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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.
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Override
A sales commission collected by an executive in addition to the commission received by a subordinate salesperson.
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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.
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Overwrite
(ambitransitive) To write in an unnecessarily complicated or florid way; to produce purple prose.
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Overwrite
(computing) The operation of destroying older data by recording new data over it.
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Overwrite
Write new data on top of existing data and thus erase the previously existing data;
Overwrite that file
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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.
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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.
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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.Shumaila Saeed
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Override
A mechanism, device or procedure used to counteract an automatic control.
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Override
A device for prioritizing audio signals, such that certain signals receive priority over others.
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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.
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Override
To ride over or across; to ride upon; to trample down.
The carter overridden with [i. e., by] his cart.
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Override
To suppress; to destroy; to supersede; to annul; to nullify; as, one law overrides another; to override a veto.
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Override
To countermand; to overrule; as, a supervisor may override the decision of a subordinate.
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Override
To replace (one system with another); as, the pilot overrode the automatic pilot and took manual control of the airplane.
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Override
A manually operated device to correct the operation of an automatic device
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Override
The act of nullifying; making null and void; counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something
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Override
Rule against;
The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill
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Override
Counteract the normal operation of (an automatic gear shift in a vehicle)
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Override
To supersede an existing rule or decision.
The manager's decision was overridden by the CEO.
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Override
In programming, replacing a method in a superclass.
The subclass method overrides the superclass method.
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Override
To bypass or ignore previous commands.
The new settings override the default configurations.
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Override
To use authority to change or cancel decisions.
The committee vote overrode the earlier resolution.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does overwriting affect all file types?
Yes, any file type can be overwritten.
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Is overriding a decision common in business?
Yes, especially in hierarchical structures.
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Does overwriting save storage space?
It can, by replacing old files with new.
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Can override be used in legal contexts?
Yes, like overriding a previous ruling.
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Can override be used in programming?
Yes, it's common in object-oriented programming.
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Can you overwrite physical objects, or is it only used for digital data?
"Overwrite" is primarily used in the context of digital data and not for physical objects.
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Can overwritten files be recovered?
Often difficult, unless there's a backup.
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Is "overwrite" commonly used in computer terminology?
Yes, it is frequently used in the context of data storage and file management.
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Is overwriting common in digital photography?
Yes, when saving new images over old ones.
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Can individuals override decisions or actions made by others?
In some cases, individuals can override decisions or actions, especially if they have the authority or control to do so.
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Does override require specific authority?
Often, especially in systems or organizational contexts.
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Is "override" a term commonly used in law or regulations?
Yes, it is often used in legal and regulatory contexts when one rule or authority supersedes another.
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Is "overwrite" reversible?
No, once data is overwritten, the original data is usually lost unless you have a backup.
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Is "override" only used in formal or technical settings?
No, "override" can be used in everyday language to describe situations where one thing takes precedence over another.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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