Over vs. Roger: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 19, 2023
"Over" in radio communication means "I have finished speaking," while "Roger" means "I have received your message."
Key Differences
"Over" is used in radio communications to indicate that the speaker has finished their transmission and is awaiting a reply. It's a procedural word to facilitate clear and efficient communication, particularly where there might be a delay or where only one party can transmit at a time due to the limitations of the communication channel. "Roger" is also a procedural word in radio communication, but it has a different purpose. It's used to confirm that a message has been received and understood. Unlike "over," it does not necessarily imply that the speaker is expecting a reply.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
In the context of military and aviation, "over" is integral to ensuring that transmissions are succinct and that the airwaves remain clear for other users. The term helps to prevent confusion about whether a transmission has been completed, especially in situations where communication may be disrupted or noisy. "Roger," meanwhile, is equally important in these contexts, providing confirmation that critical information has been received — it's about clarity and confirmation, rather than the continuation of communication signaled by "over."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
When considering the etymology, "over" is a simple term that has been in use for a long time in English, and its meaning in radio contexts is directly related to its usual meaning of "finished" or "concluded." On the other hand, "Roger" comes from the days when the phonetic alphabet used "Roger" for the letter "R," which stood for "received." Although the phonetic alphabet has changed — "R" is now "Romeo" — "Roger" has stuck as a term meaning "received and understood."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
In everyday usage outside of radio communication, "over" has various meanings, ranging from spatial relations to conditions being concluded. It's a versatile word that appears in numerous contexts. "Roger" is less versatile; outside of radio communication, it's primarily recognized as a first name, and its use as a term of affirmation is almost entirely restricted to radio communications and settings influenced by this usage, such as military-themed movies.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Culturally, "over" and "Roger" are part of a jargon that represents a larger system of communication discipline, necessary for professions requiring precision and reliability in their transmissions. They contribute to an image of professionalism and efficiency in these fields. Their presence in popular media has also led to them being recognized even by those outside these professions, symbolizing clear, authoritative communication.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Over and Roger Definitions
Over
In radio communication, signaling the end of a transmission and awaiting a response.
We'll arrive at 1800 hours, over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Roger
In historical context, the former phonetic term for the letter "R."
Message received, Roger.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
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Over
In or at a position above or higher than
A sign over the door.
A hawk gliding over the hills.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Roger
Used in radio communication to mean "received and understood."
Roger that, proceeding to the next checkpoint.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Over
Above and across from one end or side to the other
A jump over the fence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Roger
Used especially in radio communications to indicate receipt of a message.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Roger
(radio telecommunications) Received used in radio communications to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Roger
(transitive) Of a man, to have sexual intercourse with (someone), especially in a rough manner.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Through the extent of; all through
Walked over the grounds.
Looked over the report.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Through the medium of; via
Addressed us over the loudspeaker.
Can't tell you over the phone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Roger
A black flag with white skull and crossbones, formerly used by pirates; - called also Jolly Roger and pirate flag.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
So as to cover
Put rocks over a cave entrance.
Threw a shawl over her shoulders.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Roger
An informal way to express agreement or acknowledgment.
Make sure to bring all the documents. Roger.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Over
Up to or higher than the level or height of
The water was over my shoulders.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
More than in degree, quantity, or extent
Over ten miles.
Over a thousand dollars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
In superiority to
Won a narrow victory over her rival.
A distinct advantage over our competitors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
In a position to rule or control
The director presides over the meeting. There is no one over him in the department.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
At a point at which one is no longer troubled by
I'm not quite over the cold I caught last week.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Across to another or opposite side
Stopped at the curb, then crossed over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Across a distance in a particular direction or at a location
Lives over in England.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
To another often specified place or position
Move your chair over toward the fire.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
So as to be comprehensible, acceptable, or effective; across
Eventually got my point over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
So as to be completely enclosed or covered
The river froze over. Engineers sealed the tunnel entrance over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Completely through; from beginning to end
Think the problem over. Let's read the memo over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From an upward position to an inverted or reversed position
Turn the paper over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Used in two-way radio to indicate that a transmission is complete and a reply is awaited.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Thoroughly; completely; from beginning to end.
Let's talk over the project at tomorrow's meeting.
Let me think that over.
I'm going to look over our department's expenses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From an upright position to a horizontal one.
He tipped the bottle over, and the water came gushing out.
That building just fell over!
He bent over to touch his toes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Horizontally; left to right or right to left.
Slide the toilet-paper dispenser's door over when one roll is empty in order to reveal the other.
I moved over to make room for him to sit down.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From one side of something to another, passing above it.
The fence is too high. I don't think I'll be able to get over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From one position or state to another.
Please pass that over to me.
He came over to our way of thinking on the new project.
Come over and play!
I'll bring over a pizza.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Overnight throughout the night.
We stayed over at Grandma's.
Can I sleep over?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Again; another time; once more; over again.
I lost my paper and I had to do the entire assignment over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
On top of; above; higher than; further up.
Hold the sign up over your head.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Across or spanning.
There is a bridge over the river.
I looked out over the sea.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
In such a way as to cover.
Drape the fabric over the table.
There is a roof over the house.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From one physical position to another via an obstacle that must be traversed vertically, first upwards and then downwards.
The dog jumped over the fence.
I'll go over [the fence] first and then help you.
Let's walk over the hill to get there.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Beyond; past; exceeding; too much or too far.
I think I’m over my limit for calories for today.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
(in certain collocations) As compared to.
Sales are down this quarter over last.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Indicating relative status, authority, or power
The owner's son lorded it over the experienced managers.
The prince ruled over a portion of the kingdom.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
(poker) Separates the three of a kind from the pair in a full house.
9♦9♠9♣6♥6♠ = nines over sixes
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Finished with; done with; from one state to another via a hindrance that must be solved or defeated; or via a third state that represents a significant difference from the first two.
We got over the engineering problems and the prototype works great.
I am over my cold and feel great again.
I know the referee made a bad call, but you have to get over it [your annoyance with the referee's decision].
She is finally over [the distress of] losing her job.
He is finally over his [distress over the loss of the relationship with his] ex-girlfriend.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Concerning or regarding.
The two boys had a fight over whose girlfriend was the best.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding.
We triumphed over difficulties.
The bill was passed over the veto.
It was a fine victory over their opponents.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
A radio procedure word meaning that the station is finished with its transmission and is expecting a response.
Bravo Six, this is Bravo Six Four. Stand by for ten mike report one dash three, over.
Bravo Six Four, this is Bravo Six Actual. Send your traffic, over.
How do you receive? Over!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Above, or higher than, in place or position, with the idea of covering; - opposed to under; as, clouds are over our heads; the smoke rises over the city.
The mercy seat that is over the testimony.
Over them gleamed far off the crimson banners of morning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Across; from side to side of; - implying a passing or moving, either above the substance or thing, or on the surface of it; as, a dog leaps over a stream or a table.
Certain lakes . . . poison birds which fly over them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Upon the surface of, or the whole surface of; hither and thither upon; throughout the whole extent of; as, to wander over the earth; to walk over a field, or over a city.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Above; - implying superiority in excellence, dignity, condition, or value; as, the advantages which the Christian world has over the heathen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Above in authority or station; - implying government, direction, care, attention, guard, responsibility, etc.; - opposed to under.
Thou shalt be over my house.
I will make thee rules over many things.
Dost thou not watch over my sin ?
His tender mercies are over all his works.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Across or during the time of; from beginning to end of; as, to keep anything over night; to keep corn over winter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Above the perpendicular height or length of, with an idea of measurement; as, the water, or the depth of water, was over his head, over his shoes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Beyond; in excess of; in addition to; more than; as, it cost over five dollars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding; as, he triumphed over difficulties; the bill was passed over the veto.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From one side to another; from side to side; across; crosswise; as, a board, or a tree, a foot over, i. e., a foot in diameter.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From one person or place to another regarded as on the opposite side of a space or barrier; - used with verbs of motion; as, to sail over to England; to hand over the money; to go over to the enemy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From beginning to end; throughout the course, extent, or expanse of anything; as, to look over accounts, or a stock of goods; a dress covered over with jewels.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
From inside to outside, above or across the brim.
Good measure, pressed down . . . and running over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Beyond a limit; hence, in excessive degree or quantity; superfluously; with repetition; as, to do the whole work over.
He that gathered much had nothing over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
In a manner to bring the under side to or towards the top; as, to turn (one's self) over; to roll a stone over; to turn over the leaves; to tip over a cart.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Completed; at an end; beyond the limit of continuance; finished; as, when will the play be over?.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Excessively; too much or too greatly; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhasty, overeager, overanxious, overreact, overcook.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Upper; covering; higher; superior; - chiefly used in composition; as, overshoes, overcoat, over-garment, overlord.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Excessive; too much or too great; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhaste, overreaction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
A certain number of balls (usually four) delivered successively from behind one wicket, after which the ball is bowled from behind the other wicket as many times, the fielders changing places.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
(cricket) the period during which a given number of balls (6 in England but 8 in Australia) are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
Having come or been brought to a conclusion;
The harvesting was complete
The affair is over, ended, finished
The abruptly terminated interview
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
At or to a point across intervening space etc.;
Come over and see us some time
Over there
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
Over
In such a manner as to be understood and accepted;
She cannot get her ideas across
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2022
FAQs
Can "over" indicate spatial relationships?
Yes, it's often used to indicate something is above or on top of something else.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Is "Roger" used in everyday conversation?
Not commonly, it's primarily used in radio communication and related contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
What's the origin of "Roger" in radio communication?
It comes from the phonetic alphabet where "Roger" represented "R" for "received."
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Does "Roger" have meanings other than in communication?
Aside from being a name, its use is largely restricted to representing receipt and understanding in communication.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Does "over" always require a response?
In radio communication, it typically implies awaiting a response.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Does "over" have a synonymous term in radio communication?
Not precisely, as it specifically denotes the end of a transmission while awaiting a response.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Is "Roger" still part of the current phonetic alphabet?
No, "Romeo" has replaced "Roger" for "R."
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can "over" be used outside of radio communication?
Yes, "over" has various uses in English, such as indicating position or that something is finished.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Is "over" used in military communication?
Yes, it's a standard part of procedure in military radio communication.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Is "Roger" a global standard in radio communication?
It's widely recognized, but specific protocols may vary internationally.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Can "over" imply repetition?
Yes, such as in phrases like "over and over again."
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Is "Roger" unique to English?
It's most common in English-speaking contexts but known globally due to media.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Can "Roger" be considered informal?
In radio communication, it's standard, but its use outside this context can be seen as informal or jargon.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Is "Roger" used in aviation?
Yes, it's standard terminology in aviation communication.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
How does "over" function grammatically?
It can be a preposition, adverb, or adjective depending on its context.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Can "over" indicate control or superiority?
Yes, as in "She presides over the committee."
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Does "Roger" imply compliance?
It indicates receipt and understanding, but not necessarily agreement or compliance.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Is "Roger" interchangeable with "copy"?
They're similar, but "copy" can imply the message was received but not necessarily understood.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
What's the difference between "over" and "above"?
"Over" often implies movement, while "above" generally indicates a fixed position.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
