Overextension: meaning, definitions and examples

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overextension

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈɛkstɛnʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

linguistic usage

Overextension refers to a linguistic phenomenon where a child uses a word in a broader context than its correct meaning. This occurs when a young learner applies a term to objects or actions that share certain characteristics with the original reference, leading to an overgeneralization of its meaning.

Synonyms

extension, overapplication, overgeneralization

Examples of usage

  • The child called all four-legged animals 'dog'.
  • She used 'car' to describe any vehicle.
  • He referred to all fruits as 'apple'.
Context #2 | Noun

financial context

In finance, overextension is the situation where an individual or organization takes on more debt or financial commitments than they can manage or repay. This usually leads to financial strain or default.

Synonyms

financial strain, overcommitment, overindebtedness

Examples of usage

  • His overextension led to bankruptcy.
  • The company's overextension resulted in significant layoffs.
  • Overextension in personal loans can ruin credit scores.

Translations

Translations of the word "overextension" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobreextensão

🇮🇳 अधिक विस्तार

🇩🇪 Überdehnung

🇮🇩 overextension

🇺🇦 перевищення

🇵🇱 nadmierne rozszerzenie

🇯🇵 過剰拡張

🇫🇷 sur-extension

🇪🇸 sobreextensión

🇹🇷 aşırı genişletme

🇰🇷 과도한 확장

🇸🇦 زيادة مفرطة

🇨🇿 nadměrné rozšíření

🇸🇰 nadmerné rozšírenie

🇨🇳 过度扩展

🇸🇮 prekomerno širjenje

🇮🇸 yfirnámskalli

🇰🇿 артық кеңейту

🇬🇪 გაუმჯობესება

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq genişləndirmə

🇲🇽 sobreextensión

Word origin

The term 'overextension' is formed by joining the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessive or above normal' and 'extension' which comes from the Latin 'extendere', meaning 'to stretch out'. The linguistic usage of the term began to appear prominently in child language acquisition studies in the mid-20th century, as researchers started to document how children often apply language rules too broadly. The financial context of the term developed later, particularly during discussions about economic recessions and consumer debt, highlighting the risks associated with excessive borrowing and its impact on personal and corporate finances. As such, overextension reflects both a developmental phase of language learning and a cautionary principle in economic practices.