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Overplayed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽถ
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overplayed

[หŒoสŠvษ™rหˆpleษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

music, performance

To overplay something means to perform, use, or emphasize it too much. This can apply to musical pieces that have been played excessively, leading to a sense of fatigue or loss of novelty. Additionally, in a broader context, it refers to exaggerating a point or an idea in conversation or media to the point of diminishing its impact. The term is often used to critique situations where authenticity is compromised due to oversaturation.

Synonyms

exaggerate, overdo, overemphasize.

Examples of usage

  • That song was overplayed on the radio.
  • He tends to overplay his emotions during performances.
  • The theme has been overplayed in recent movies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'overplayed'

The term 'overplayed' derives from the combination of the prefix 'over-', which originates from Old English 'ofer', meaning 'too much' or 'excessive', and the verb 'play', which comes from Old English 'plegan', meaning 'to put into action', 'to perform', or 'to exercise'. Historically, 'play' has been used to denote a variety of activities, from children's games to performance arts. The blend of these two elements into the term 'overplayed' emerged in the late 20th century, capturing the critique of excessive usage in various contexts, particularly in music and entertainment. The evolving nature of media consumption in contemporary society has made this term increasingly relevant as audiences encounter repeated themes, songs, or even arguments, diminishing their original effectiveness and enjoyment.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,407, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.