Overdo: meaning, definitions and examples

⚠️
Add to dictionary

overdo

 

[ˌoʊvərˈduː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in cooking

To cook or season food excessively, resulting in a negative taste or texture.

Synonyms

exaggerate, overcook, overseason.

Examples of usage

  • Don't overdo the salt in the soup, it can ruin the whole dish.
  • Try not to overdo the spices, or the flavor will be too strong.
Context #2 | Verb

in work or activity

To do something to an excessive or extreme degree, often resulting in negative consequences.

Synonyms

overexert, overindulge, overwork.

Examples of usage

  • She tends to overdo it at the gym and then feels sore the next day.
  • Don't overdo it with studying, make sure to take breaks.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'overdo' comes from the Old English 'oferdōn,' meaning to do excessively.
  • In the 14th century, the term was used to describe actions done to an extreme, indicating the negative consequences of excess.

Psychology

  • Overdoing things can lead to burnout, which makes it hard to enjoy activities that were once fun.
  • People often overdo tasks because of perfectionism, wanting everything to be just right.
  • Balancing effort and relaxation is crucial for mental health; overdoing can disrupt this balance.

Advice & Lifestyle

  • In wellness culture, the idea of moderation is emphasized to prevent overindulgence and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
  • Experts suggest setting limits as a way to prevent overdoing activities, such as social media usage or exercise.

Pop Culture

  • Many comedic shows and movies use the concept of 'overdoing it' for humorous effect, showing characters who go too far in their actions.
  • Songs about relationships often reference ‘overdoing’ emotions, indicating how too much love or jealousy can create problems.

Literature

  • Authors often explore themes of excess, revealing how characters who overdo aspects of life face consequences.
  • Classic poems sometimes caution against overdoing pursuits of wealth and fame, suggesting that less is more.

Translations

Translations of the word "overdo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exagerar

🇮🇳 अति करना

🇩🇪 übertreiben

🇮🇩 melebih-lebihkan

🇺🇦 перебільшувати

🇵🇱 przesadzać

🇯🇵 やり過ぎる (yarisugiru)

🇫🇷 exagérer

🇪🇸 exagerar

🇹🇷 abartmak

🇰🇷 과장하다 (gwajanghada)

🇸🇦 يبالغ (yubaligh)

🇨🇿 přehánět

🇸🇰 preháňať

🇨🇳 过度 (guòdù)

🇸🇮 pretiravati

🇮🇸 ofgera

🇰🇿 асыра сілтеу

🇬🇪 გადამეტება (gadameTeba)

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq etmək

🇲🇽 exagerar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,226, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.