'Eavesdropping‘

The term ‘eavesdropping‘ refers to the act of secretly listening to a conversation.

‘Eaves’ – is a singular noun referring to the projecting overhang of a roof. ‘Eavesdrop’ originally referred to the drops of water falling from the eves during rains. Later, it referred to the land portion under the eaves. Still later, it referred to the act of standing in that land portion stealthily and listening to the conversation of the people inside the house. Now, it refers to listening to a conversation, anywhere - eves or no eves.

‘Eavesdropping’ is different from ‘overhearing’. ‘Overhearing’ is not intentional whereas, ‘eavesdropping’ is.

E.g.

• As I was walking in the corridor, I overheard the conversation between Ramesh and Ravi.

• Eavesdropping is a bad habit.

Images: an eavesdropper, the photo of eaves, evesdropping - literally