Overgenerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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overgenerate

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈdʒɛnəˌreɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

excessive production

To overgenerate means to produce something in excessive amounts. This term is often used in relation to data, information, or even creative content, suggesting a level of output that surpasses the necessary or desired quantity.

Synonyms

exceed, overproduce, oversupply

Examples of usage

  • The system began to overgenerate reports that were not useful.
  • If we overgenerate content, we risk diluting our brand message.
  • Overgenerating can lead to information overload.

Etymology

The term 'overgenerate' stems from the prefix 'over-', which indicates excessiveness, combined with 'generate', derived from the Latin 'genus', meaning 'race, kind, or stock'. The word 'generate' itself means to bring into existence or produce. 'Overgenerate' entered common usage as technology and digital media evolved, necessitating the creation of terminology to describe the phenomena associated with excessive output, especially in contexts relating to data and information management. The increasing ease of content creation in the digital age has amplified discussions around the implications of overgeneration, leading to its growing presence in both technical and general discourse.