Overpraising: meaning, definitions and examples
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overpraising
[ ˌoʊvərˈpreɪzɪŋ ]
praising too much
Overpraising refers to the act of excessively or overly commending someone or something. This behavior can lead to inflated self-esteem or unrealistic expectations. While praise can be motivating, too much of it may diminish its value and result in complacency. Overpraising can also skew perceptions, making it difficult to identify genuine talent or effort. It is essential to balance praise with constructive feedback to ensure healthy development and self-awareness.
Synonyms
adulation, exaggeration, excessive praise, flattery.
Examples of usage
- The coach was known for overpraising his team after every game.
- Overpraising children can sometimes hinder their ability to handle criticism.
- She felt that her boss was overpraising her contributions, making it uncomfortable.
- The critics accused the movie reviewers of overpraising the film's merits.
Etymology
The term 'overpraising' is derived from the combination of the prefix 'over-' and the word 'praise.' The prefix 'over-' is of Old English origin, used to denote excess or going beyond a limit. The word 'praise' comes from the Latin 'pretium,' meaning 'value' or 'price,' and evolved through Middle English as 'preis' or 'prays.' Over time, 'praise' has taken on connotations of expressing admiration or approval for someone or something's qualities or actions. The formation of 'overpraising' signifies an action that crosses the boundary of normal commendation into an area where the praise may no longer be deemed meaningful or constructive.