Overzealous: meaning, definitions and examples

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overzealous

[ˌoʊvərˈziːələs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

excessive enthusiasm

Overzealous refers to an excessive or extreme amount of enthusiasm or eagerness, often leading to actions that may be considered too intense or uncompromising. This term is frequently used in contexts where someone is overly passionate about a cause or task, to the point that it may become counterproductive or annoying to others.

Synonyms

enthusiastic, excessive, fanatical, fervent.

Examples of usage

His overzealous approach to the project overwhelmed his teammates.
The overzealous fan couldn't contain their excitement during the match.
Her overzealous attitude towards recycling annoyed her friends.
The overzealous security guard was too strict with the guests.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word combines 'over' meaning too much, with 'zealous', which comes from the Greek 'zelos' meaning rival or eager.
It first appeared in English around the 19th century, highlighting an increasing intensity in behavior.
The prefix 'over-' indicates excess, a frequent way to describe something that goes beyond normal limits.

Psychology

Excessive enthusiasm can sometimes lead to burnout when the effort exceeds one’s physical or emotional capacity.
Overzealous individuals may struggle with interpersonal relationships, as their fervor can come off as overwhelming to others.
In psychology, enthusiasm has been linked to positive outcomes, but when overdone, it can result in stress and anxiety.

Pop Culture

Characters in movies often depict overzealous traits, such as overly enthusiastic fans or overly excited sidekicks, to create humor.
In social media, overzealous behavior is commonly observed in influencers, who may push products excessively to their followers.
The term has been humorously used in various memes to portray people who take things too seriously, especially in fandoms.

Literature

In literary works, characters labeled as overzealous often face challenges due to their excessive passion, illustrating themes of moderation.
Classic literary criticism often examines overzealous characters as reflections of society’s own extremes.
Authors like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen craft overzealous characters, showcasing the comedic potential of excessive behavior.

Education

In teaching contexts, overzealous teachers can sometimes overwhelm students with excitement, leading to less effective learning.
Student enthusiasm is crucial for engagement; however, overzealousness may distract from critical thinking skills.
When overzealousness occurs in group projects, it can result in conflict if not balanced with cooperation and patience.