Overachieve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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overachieve
[ˌoʊvərəˈtʃiv ]
Definition
academic success
To overachieve means to perform better than expected, particularly in academic settings. This term often refers to students who receive high grades despite having average intelligence or abilities. Overachievers typically possess strong motivation and dedication, pushing themselves to excel beyond the standard benchmarks. They may take on more advanced courses or projects and often strive for perfection.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She tends to overachieve in her studies, always earning top marks.
- Many students overachieve due to their strong work ethic.
- Despite her average skills, she managed to overachieve in the competition.
Translations
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Origin of 'overachieve'
The term 'overachieve' is a compound word that combines the prefix 'over-', meaning 'excessively' or 'to a greater degree', with 'achieve', which comes from the Old French 'achiever' and is rooted in the Latin 'ad capere', meaning 'to reach' or 'to obtain'. The word 'achieve' gained popularity in the English language around the late 15th century. The concept of overachieving emerged later, especially in the context of education and personal development, becoming more widely recognized in the 20th century as emphasis on academic performance and achievement became prominent. In recent decades, the term has also found use in professional settings, where individuals may strive to exceed the expectations set by employers or industry standards.