Overstated: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something is described in a way that makes it seem more important or serious than it actually is. Often implies the speaker believes the statement is not entirely true.

• The impact of the new policy was overstated in the media
• Her talent for the role is often overstated

Commonly used when describing situations where details are blown out of proportion for effect, often in storytelling or casual conversation.

• He always tells exaggerated stories about his adventures
• The fish he caught was not as big as he exaggerated it to be

Typically used in financial or numerical contexts to indicate that figures or values are higher than they should be, implying falsehood or error.

• The company's profits were inflated to attract investors
• They had an inflated sense of their own importance

Refers to situations where too much importance is placed on a particular aspect, often at the expense of other important factors.

• The importance of a college degree is often overemphasized
• The negative effects of the new policy were overemphasized in the report

Applied when something, often an event or situation, is described as more significant or spectacular than it is in reality, with a slightly negative connotation.

• The movie's plot was overblown and hard to believe
• The threat of the storm was overblown by the news

Used when someone describes something in a way that makes it seem more important or larger than it actually is, often used in critical or formal contexts.

• The impact of the new policy was overstated in the report.
• His achievements were significantly overstated, leading to undue praise.

Commonly used when someone makes something seem bigger or more significant than it is. Can have a negative or playful connotation depending on the context.

• He tends to exaggerate his accomplishments to impress others.
• Don't believe everything he says; he often exaggerates.

Often used in economic or financial contexts when someone increases numbers or effects beyond their true value, can also be used more generally. Usually has a negative connotation.

• The company inflated its earnings to attract investors.
• She inflates her stories about her travels.

Often used when someone adds extra details, sometimes untrue, to make a story or event more interesting or entertaining. Has a slightly neutral or positive connotation.

• She likes to embellish her stories to keep her friends entertained.
• The writer embellished the history with fictional details.

Used when someone gives too much importance to a particular aspect or detail, often at the expense of other important factors. Often used in analytical or critical contexts.

• The media tends to overemphasize bad news.
• The teacher warned not to overemphasize one chapter over the others.