What is the difference between `look over’ and `overlook’?

When you overlook something, you ignore it or fail to see it. In other words, it is possible for one to overlook something or someone accidentally or deliberately. By the way, the main stress in this word is on `look’.

*The fast bowler had been overlooked again. The selectors were unwilling to give a reason.

The word `overlook’ also means to give a view of a place from above.

For example, Vinita is pretty excited because her room overlooks a beautiful lake.

When you look something or someone over, you very quickly examine the object or person. *The writer asked a couple of his friends to look over the article.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ ( The Hindu) – May 21, 2007