Overly: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คฏ
overly
[หoสvษrli ]
Definition
adverb
to an excessive or unjustifiable extent; excessively.
Synonyms
excessively, overmuch, unduly, unnecessarily.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overly |
Use this word when someone is doing something more than what is considered normal or reasonable, often with a slightly negative implication.
|
| excessively |
Use this word to describe doing something much more than what is necessary, often indicating it is a problem.
|
| unduly |
Use this word to indicate that something is happening to a greater extent than is necessary or appropriate, often signaling unfairness or improperness.
|
| unnecessarily |
Use this word to show that an action or effort is more than what is needed, often highlighting a lack of necessity.
|
| overmuch |
This is a less common word and is typically used in formal or literary contexts to indicate an unusual abundance.
|
Examples of usage
- He was overly cautious about the dangers of street crime.
- She was criticized for being overly ambitious.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 'Overly' comes from the word 'over,' meaning too much, combined with the suffix '-ly' which turns adjectives into adverbs.
- The word has been used in English since the early 1800s, showing how long we've talked about things being too much.
- Similar terms can be found in other languages, highlighting the common human experience of excess.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'overly dramatic' often appears in films and TV shows to describe characters who express emotions in an exaggerated way.
- Songs and literature sometimes explore themes of being 'overly' something, like in love or worry, creating relatable stories for audiences.
- In memes and online culture, people frequently joke about being 'overly emotional,' connecting humor to our daily experiences of feeling too much.
Psychology
- Being overly concerned about small details can lead to anxiety, showing how our feelings of excess can affect mental health.
- The idea of 'overly' can tie into behavior patterns, like perfectionism, where people feel driven to do everything perfectly.
- Research suggests that people who have overly high expectations often experience more stress and dissatisfaction in life.
Literature
- Classic authors often depict characters who act overly ambitious, leading to their downfall, like in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth.'
- In poetry, the use of 'overly' can create strong images, emphasizing excessive emotions or scenarios.
- 'Overly' is used in modern novels to illustrate a character's extreme personality traits or decisions, making stories more engaging.
Everyday Usage
- People often use phrases like 'overly cautious' or 'overly excited' to describe behavior that stands out in everyday conversations.
- In cooking, if a recipe calls for an 'overly generous' amount of salt, it suggests using way too much flavor.
- Businesses might describe strategies as 'overly complicated' to simplify processes, showcasing the need for clarity in communication.
Translations
Translations of the word "overly" in other languages:
๐ต๐น excessivamente
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคคเฅเคฏเคงเคฟเค
๐ฉ๐ช รผbermรครig
๐ฎ๐ฉ terlalu
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะฐะดะผััะฝะพ
๐ต๐ฑ nadmiernie
๐ฏ๐ต ้ๅบฆใซ (ใใฉใซ)
๐ซ๐ท excessivement
๐ช๐ธ excesivamente
๐น๐ท aลฤฑrฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ์ง๋์น๊ฒ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุดูู ู ูุฑุท
๐จ๐ฟ pลรญliลก
๐ธ๐ฐ nadmerne
๐จ๐ณ ่ฟๅๅฐ (guรฒfรจn de)
๐ธ๐ฎ pretirano
๐ฎ๐ธ of mikiรฐ
๐ฐ๐ฟ ััะผ ะฐัััา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแขแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ hษddindษn artฤฑq
๐ฒ๐ฝ excesivamente