come over
Short definition: The phrase come over means to visit someone at their home, or to move from one place to another nearby, often used in friendly and informal situations.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb come over? This is a very common everyday expression in English. It can describe visiting someone, crossing from one place to another, or even experiencing a sudden feeling. Because it’s used in casual conversations as well as emotional situations, context makes a big difference. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how come over works in daily English.
Forms: come over, comes over, came over, come over, coming over
Related: visit v., approach v., cross v., feel v.
Syllable: come-o-ver
-
(Verb) To visit someone at their home or location.
To come over most commonly means visiting someone, usually at their home. It often sounds friendly and informal, suggesting a casual get-together rather than a formal event.
Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight?She came over to watch a movie with us.You can come over anytime if you need help.Synonyms: visit, drop by, stop by, come around, pay a visit, call in, swing by, show up at, pop in, go over, head over, drop in
Antonyms: stay away, remain home, avoid visiting, not show up, decline invitation, skip visit, keep distance, remain absent, refuse to come, ignore invitation, stay put, cancel visit -
(Verb) To move from one place to another, especially across a space.
Come over can also describe physically crossing from one side or place to another. It emphasizes movement toward the speaker’s side.
She came over to our table to say hello.He came over from the other side of the room.Can you come over here for a second?Synonyms: approach, cross over, move toward, walk over, step across, head this way, travel across, shift over, advance toward, come across, move closer, draw near
Antonyms: move away, step back, retreat, withdraw, walk off, back away, go elsewhere, leave area, turn away, distance oneself, depart, move aside -
(Verb) To experience a sudden feeling or change in emotion.
In another meaning, come over refers to a sudden feeling or emotional shift. It suggests that a mood or sensation appears unexpectedly.
A strange calmness came over her before the speech.He didn’t know what came over him when he shouted.A wave of sadness came over her while watching the movie.Synonyms: overwhelm, sweep over, take over emotionally, affect suddenly, grip, strike, influence deeply, wash over, seize emotionally, move strongly, overcome, envelop
Antonyms: fade away, leave emotionally, pass quickly, disappear, lighten mood, release tension, ease off, clear up, calm down, lift away, subside, diminish