Overprize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overprize

[ˌoʊ.vərˈpraɪz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to give too high a value to something

To overprize something is to assign a value that is higher than it actually deserves. It is to overestimate the worth or importance of something.

Synonyms

exaggerate, inflate, overestimate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overprize	Use 'overprize' when talking about valuing something too highly, often more than it actually is worth. This word is less common and might sound formal or outdated. People often overprize rare items, thinking they are more valuable than they truly are. She tends to overprize her achievements.
overestimate	Use 'overestimate' when someone makes an incorrect assessment by thinking something is more significant or better than it actually is. I think you overestimate his ability to complete this task on time. They overestimated the popularity of the product, leading to surplus stock.
inflate	Use 'inflate' particularly in situations involving increasing prices or making numbers, importance, or value seem higher than they are. Often used in economic or financial contexts or when talking about ego. The company tried to inflate their sales figures to impress investors. He tends to inflate his own importance in the project.
exaggerate	Use 'exaggerate' when describing a situation where someone describes something as greater or more intense than it actually is. This can be in a positive or negative sense. He likes to exaggerate his stories to make them more interesting. Don't exaggerate the risks involved; it's not that dangerous.

Examples of usage

He tends to overprize his own abilities, which can lead to disappointment in the end.
Don't overprize the importance of material possessions; they do not bring true happiness.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Overvaluing can happen when emotions cloud judgment, making people assign too much worth to certain objects or achievements.
Cognitive biases often lead people to overprize possessions due to perceived emotional attachment.
This phenomenon can impact financial decisions, where people overprice their own products or services despite market trends.

Cultural Commentary

In entertainment, overprizing is often seen when a movie or artist receives awards that some feel are undeserved.
Social media users sometimes overprize certain trends or challenges, giving them more attention than they warrant.
In education, projects with more effort but less importance can be overprized, leading to skewed student evaluations.

Economics

In real estate, properties can be overprized, leading buyers to spend beyond fair market value.
Market bubbles often occur when assets are collectively overprized by investors, resulting in drastic corrections later.
Pricing strategies can also lead to a situation where a brand is overprized due to its reputation rather than actual value.

Literature

In literature, characters sometimes overprize love or friendships, leading to conflicts and misjudgments.
Classic tales often explore themes of misinterpreted value, where characters prize riches over meaningful relationships.
Research in literary criticism shows that overprizing can be a narrative device to explore human folly and greed.

Origin of 'overprize'

Main points about word origin

The prefix 'over-' means too much, while 'prize' comes from the Old French word 'priser', meaning to value.
The term reflects a blend of language influences, merging Old French and Middle English elements.
In modern language, combining 'over' and 'prize' is a way to express excess in appraisal.

The word 'overprize' originated from the combination of 'over-' meaning too much or excessively, and 'prize' meaning to value highly. The term has been used in the English language for centuries, often in the context of assigning excessive value or importance to something.

See also: prized, prizefighter, prizefighting, prizing.