Overpraised Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overpraised

[หŒoสŠvษ™rหˆpreษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a negative context

To praise someone or something excessively, often to the point of exaggeration or insincerity. It can lead to inflated egos and unrealistic expectations.

Synonyms

exaggerate, flatter, overvalue.

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Word Description / Examples
overpraised

Used when praise or compliments are given more generously than deserved, often leading to unmerited high expectations or feelings of inadequacy.

  • The movie was overpraised by critics and didn't live up to the hype.
  • The employee felt overpraised for the routine task, making others feel awkward.

Examples of usage

  • She felt uncomfortable being overpraised for such a simple task.
  • Parents should be careful not to overpraise their children, as it can hinder their development.
Context #2 | Verb

in a positive context

To praise someone or something excessively, to show appreciation and admiration. It can boost confidence and motivate further success.

Synonyms

commend, congratulate, laud.

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Word Description / Examples
overpraised

Use 'overpraised' when praise exceeds what is deserved. This word often carries a negative connotation, implying the praise is excessive or unmerited.

  • The movie was overpraised by critics, but the audience found it boring.
  • He was overpraised for his small contribution to the project.

Examples of usage

  • He was overpraised for his exceptional performance in the play.
  • It's important to overpraise employees for their hard work to encourage a positive work environment.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Overpraising can lead to inflated egos, making individuals feel more important than they truly are.
  • Psychologists suggest that excessive praise may result in anxiety or fear of failure, as individuals may strive to maintain unrealistically high expectations.
  • Children who receive too much praise may struggle with resilience, having difficulties coping with criticism later in life.

Cultural Perspective

  • In some cultures, humility is highly valued; therefore, overpraising can be seen as socially inappropriate.
  • Certain media and entertainment portray themes of overpraising leading to downfall; examples include cautionary tales within books and films.

Arts and Literature

  • Many literary works explore the theme of overpraise, often portraying characters who become arrogant or disconnected from reality due to excessive admiration.
  • In art criticism, works can sometimes be overpraised, leading to a debate about authenticity and merit.

Education

  • Teachers are encouraged to provide balanced feedback; overpraised students may lose motivation if they do not receive constructive criticism.
  • Research highlights the importance of specific praise over general praise to help students gauge their progress accurately.

Origin of 'overpraised'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'over-' indicates excess, while 'praised' comes from 'praise', which means to express admiration.
  • The word 'praise' has roots in Latin, from the word 'pretium', meaning value or worth, showing that praise can convey worthiness.

The word 'overpraised' is a combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively and the verb 'praise' which comes from the Latin 'pretium' meaning price or value. The concept of overpraising has been discussed in various fields such as psychology, education, and parenting, highlighting the importance of balanced and sincere praise.


See also: appraise, praise, praised, praiseworthy, praising.