Overact: meaning, definitions and examples

🎭

Add to dictionary

overact

[ ˌoʊvərˈækt ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in theater

To exaggerate one's performance in a theatrical production, often resulting in a lack of subtlety and believability.

Synonyms

chew the scenery, ham it up, mug.

Examples of usage

He tends to overact whenever he's on stage.
She was criticized for overacting in the climactic scene.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in everyday life

To behave or perform in an exaggerated or excessive manner, often for attention or effect.

Examples of usage

She tends to overact when telling stories to make them more interesting.
Don't overact, just be yourself.

Translations

Translations of the word "overact" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exagerar na atuação

🇮🇳 अतिनाटकीयता दिखाना

🇩🇪 übertreiben beim Schauspielern

🇮🇩 berakting berlebihan

🇺🇦 перегравати

🇵🇱 przesadzać w grze

🇯🇵 過剰に演じる

🇫🇷 surjouer

🇪🇸 sobreactuar

🇹🇷 aşırı oynamak

🇰🇷 과장되게 연기하다

🇸🇦 المبالغة في التمثيل

🇨🇿 přehrávat

🇸🇰 prehrávať

🇨🇳 过度表演

🇸🇮 pretirano igrati

🇮🇸 leika of mikið

🇰🇿 артық ойнау

🇬🇪 გადაჭარბებული თამაშობა

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq oynamaq

🇲🇽 sobreactuar

Etymology

The term 'overact' originated in the late 18th century, derived from the combination of 'over-' (excessive) and 'act' (to perform). It was initially used in the context of theatrical performances to describe actors who exaggerated their roles. Over the years, the term has expanded to encompass any situation where someone exaggerates or overdoes their behavior for dramatic effect.