Over vs. Roger: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Procedural term in communication
Procedural term in communication
Meaning
Signifies the end of a transmission
Confirms receipt of a message
Context
Radio, telecommunication
Radio, telecommunication, aviation
Grammatical role
Preposition, adverb, adjective
Noun, exclamation
Synonyms
Complete, done
Received, acknowledged
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Over and Roger Definitions
Over
At a higher level or layer than.
The bridge went over the river.
Roger
A male given name.
Roger is coming to the party as well.
Over
In radio communication, signaling the end of a transmission and awaiting a response.
We'll arrive at 1800 hours, over.
Roger
In historical context, the former phonetic term for the letter "R."
Message received, Roger.
Over
In excess or surplus.
She has over a thousand followers.
Roger
An affirmative response.
So, you'll meet us there? Roger.
Over
In or at a position above or higher than
A sign over the door.
A hawk gliding over the hills.
Roger
Used in radio communication to mean "received and understood."
Roger that, proceeding to the next checkpoint.
Over
Above and across from one end or side to the other
A jump over the fence.
Roger
Used especially in radio communications to indicate receipt of a message.
Over
To the other side of; across
Strolled over the bridge.
Roger
To have sexual intercourse with (a woman). Used of a man.
Over
Across the edge of and down
Fell over the cliff.
Roger
(radio telecommunications) Received used in radio communications to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood
Over
On the other side of
A village over the border.
Roger
To acknowledge by saying "roger".
Over
Upon the surface of
Put a coat of varnish over the woodwork.
Roger
(transitive) Of a man, to have sexual intercourse with (someone), especially in a rough manner.
Over
On top of or down upon
Clubbed him over the head.
Tripped over the toys.
Roger
(intransitive) To have sexual intercourse.
Over
Through the extent of; all through
Walked over the grounds.
Looked over the report.
Roger
An act of sexual intercourse.
Over
Through the medium of; via
Addressed us over the loudspeaker.
Can't tell you over the phone.
Roger
A black flag with white skull and crossbones, formerly used by pirates; - called also Jolly Roger and pirate flag.
Over
So as to cover
Put rocks over a cave entrance.
Threw a shawl over her shoulders.
Roger
An informal way to express agreement or acknowledgment.
Make sure to bring all the documents. Roger.
Over
Up to or higher than the level or height of
The water was over my shoulders.
Over
Through the period or duration of
Records maintained over two years.
Over
Until or beyond the end of
Stayed over the holidays.
Over
More than in degree, quantity, or extent
Over ten miles.
Over a thousand dollars.
Over
In superiority to
Won a narrow victory over her rival.
A distinct advantage over our competitors.
Over
In preference to
Selected him over all the others.
Over
In a position to rule or control
The director presides over the meeting. There is no one over him in the department.
Over
So as to have an effect or influence on
The change that came over you.
Over
At a point at which one is no longer troubled by
I'm not quite over the cold I caught last week.
Over
While occupied with or engaged in
A chat over coffee.
Over
With reference to; concerning
An argument over methods.
Over
Above the top or surface
Climbed the ladder and peered over.
Over
Across to another or opposite side
Stopped at the curb, then crossed over.
Over
Across the edge, brink, or brim
The coffee spilled over.
Over
Across an intervening space
Throw the ball over.
Over
Across a distance in a particular direction or at a location
Lives over in England.
Over
To another often specified place or position
Move your chair over toward the fire.
Over
To one's place of residence or business
Invited us over for cocktails.
Over
Throughout an entire area or region
Wandered all over.
Over
To a different opinion or allegiance
Win someone over.
Over
So as to be comprehensible, acceptable, or effective; across
Eventually got my point over.
Over
To a different person, condition, or title
Sign the property over.
Over
So as to be completely enclosed or covered
The river froze over. Engineers sealed the tunnel entrance over.
Over
Completely through; from beginning to end
Think the problem over. Let's read the memo over.
Over
From an upright position
Kicked the bookstand over.
Over
From an upward position to an inverted or reversed position
Turn the paper over.
Over
Another time; again
Counted his cards over.
Had to do it over.
Over
In repetition
Made me write it ten times over.
Over
In addition or excess; in surplus
Lots of food left over.
Over
Beyond or until a specified time
Stay a day over.
Over
At an end
Summer is over.
Over
A series of six balls bowled from one end of a cricket pitch.
Over
To jump over
Horse and rider overed the stile with ease.
Over
Used in two-way radio to indicate that a transmission is complete and a reply is awaited.
Over
Discontinued; ended or concluded.
The show is over.
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.
Over
(often in compounds) To an excessive degree; overly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Over
Overnight throughout the night.
We stayed over at Grandma's.
Can I sleep over?
Over
Again; another time; once more; over again.
I lost my paper and I had to do the entire assignment over.
Over
(cricket) A set of six legal balls bowled.
Over
Any surplus amount of money, goods delivered, etc.
Over
A shore, riverbank.
The sea's over.
Over
Expressing spatial relationship.
Over
On top of; above; higher than; further up.
Hold the sign up over your head.
Over
Across or spanning.
There is a bridge over the river.
I looked out over the sea.
Over
In such a way as to cover.
Drape the fabric over the table.
There is a roof over the house.
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.
Over
Expressing comparison.
Over
More than; to a greater degree.
I prefer the purple over the pink.
Over
Beyond; past; exceeding; too much or too far.
I think I’m over my limit for calories for today.
Over
(in certain collocations) As compared to.
Sales are down this quarter over last.
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.
Over
(mathematics) Divided by.
Two over six equals one over three.
Over
(poker) Separates the three of a kind from the pair in a full house.
9♦9♠9♣6♥6♠ = nines over sixes
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.
Over
While using, especially while consuming.
Over
Concerning or regarding.
The two boys had a fight over whose girlfriend was the best.
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.
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!
Over
To go over, or jump over.
He overed the fence in good style.
Over
To run about.
The cattle have been overing all day because of the flies.
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.
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.
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.
Over
Above; - implying superiority in excellence, dignity, condition, or value; as, the advantages which the Christian world has over the heathen.
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.
Over
Across or during the time of; from beginning to end of; as, to keep anything over night; to keep corn over winter.
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.
Over
Beyond; in excess of; in addition to; more than; as, it cost over five dollars.
Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding; as, he triumphed over difficulties; the bill was passed over the veto.
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.
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.
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.
Over
From inside to outside, above or across the brim.
Good measure, pressed down . . . and running over.
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.
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.
Over
Completed; at an end; beyond the limit of continuance; finished; as, when will the play be over?.
Over
Excessively; too much or too greatly; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhasty, overeager, overanxious, overreact, overcook.
Over
Upper; covering; higher; superior; - chiefly used in composition; as, overshoes, overcoat, over-garment, overlord.
Over
Excessive; too much or too great; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhaste, overreaction.
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.
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
Over
Having come or been brought to a conclusion;
The harvesting was complete
The affair is over, ended, finished
The abruptly terminated interview
Over
At or to a point across intervening space etc.;
Come over and see us some time
Over there
Over
Throughout an area;
He is known the world over
Over
In such a manner as to be understood and accepted;
She cannot get her ideas across
Over
Throughout a period of time;
Stay over the weekend
Over
Beyond a certain limit or boundary.
He worked over 40 hours this week.
Over
Finished; done; ended.
The game is over.
FAQs
Can "over" indicate spatial relationships?
Yes, it's often used to indicate something is above or on top of something else.
Is "Roger" used in everyday conversation?
Not commonly, it's primarily used in radio communication and related contexts.
What's the origin of "Roger" in radio communication?
It comes from the phonetic alphabet where "Roger" represented "R" for "received."
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.
Does "over" always require a response?
In radio communication, it typically implies awaiting a response.
Does "over" have a synonymous term in radio communication?
Not precisely, as it specifically denotes the end of a transmission while awaiting a response.
Is "Roger" still part of the current phonetic alphabet?
No, "Romeo" has replaced "Roger" for "R."
Can "over" be used outside of radio communication?
Yes, "over" has various uses in English, such as indicating position or that something is finished.
Is "over" used in military communication?
Yes, it's a standard part of procedure in military radio communication.
What's the antonym of "over" in spatial contexts?
It's typically "under."
Is "Roger" a global standard in radio communication?
It's widely recognized, but specific protocols may vary internationally.
Can "over" imply repetition?
Yes, such as in phrases like "over and over again."
Is "Roger" unique to English?
It's most common in English-speaking contexts but known globally due to media.
Can "Roger" be considered informal?
In radio communication, it's standard, but its use outside this context can be seen as informal or jargon.
Is "Roger" used in aviation?
Yes, it's standard terminology in aviation communication.
How does "over" function grammatically?
It can be a preposition, adverb, or adjective depending on its context.
Can "over" indicate control or superiority?
Yes, as in "She presides over the committee."
Does "Roger" imply compliance?
It indicates receipt and understanding, but not necessarily agreement or compliance.
Is "Roger" interchangeable with "copy"?
They're similar, but "copy" can imply the message was received but not necessarily understood.
What's the difference between "over" and "above"?
"Over" often implies movement, while "above" generally indicates a fixed position.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
