The act of supervising or watching over something to ensure it is done correctly. Managing or directing a process or activity from a position of authority.
From Middle English, compound of 'over' (above, beyond) and 'see' (to look at, observe). The metaphor of 'seeing from above' to mean supervision dates to the 14th century, reflecting the hierarchical nature of management.
The visual metaphor in 'overseeing' - literally seeing from above - reflects ancient concepts of authority and supervision, where physical elevation (like a watchtower) translated to social and managerial elevation.
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