overseas
Definitions
In, to, or from a foreign country, especially one across the sea
海外的，国外的（尤指海那边的）
In or to a foreign country across the sea; abroad
在海外，去海外；到国外
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedover + sea(s) = 'across the sea.' For an island nation like Britain, anything across the sea was abroad — so overseas came to mean 'foreign, abroad.' The literal water has almost dropped out of the meaning, and the word now works as both an adjective (overseas markets) and an adverb (study overseas).
Root sea still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
- Not a noun: despite some dictionary labels, overseas is an adjective and adverb, not a noun. Say 'go overseas,' not 'go to overseas.'
- adjective before nouns: overseas markets, overseas branches, overseas students.
- adverb after verbs: live overseas, ship goods overseas, travel overseas.
- BrE flavor: 'overseas' feels slightly more British/formal; AmE often prefers 'abroad' or 'international.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
The company is expanding into several overseas markets this year.
- 2.
After graduating, she decided to work overseas for a few years.
- 3.
Many overseas students choose to study in London.
Easily Confused
overseas vs abroad — both mean 'in a foreign country,' but overseas literally implies crossing the sea and is more common in BrE and in formal/business contexts (overseas trade). abroad is more general and neutral and works for any foreign country, even one you reach by land (drove abroad to France). You can study overseas or study abroad; you'd cross the border 'abroad,' not 'overseas.'