Overact: meaning, definitions and examples
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overact
[ ˌoʊvərˈækt ]
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.
in everyday life
To behave or perform in an exaggerated or excessive manner, often for attention or effect.
Synonyms
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
Word origin
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.
See also: act, acting, action, actionable, activate, active, actively, activists, activity, actor, actress, acts, actual, counteractant, enact, inactivity, react, transact.