overstate — to describe or represent something as being greater, more important, or more serious than it actually is
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to describe or represent something as being greater, more important, or more serious than it actually is
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌoʊvərˈsteɪt/
Example Sentences
- My mom tends to overstate my cooking skills - I can barely make instant ramen!
- The politician was criticized for overstating the economic benefits of the new policy.
- I don't want to overstate it, but this pizza might be the greatest invention since the wheel.
overstate
VERB[/ˌoʊvərˈsteɪt/]
to describe or represent something as being greater, more important, or more serious than it actually is
He overstates the fish size, stretching his arms way too wide.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Overstate combines the prefix 'over-' (meaning excessively or beyond) with the verb 'state' (to express or declare). The compound emerged in the 17th century to describe the act of expressing something with greater force, extent, or emphasis than warranted by fact.
Breakdown
over- (excessively, beyond) + state (to declare, express). The prefix 'over-' intensifies the base verb 'state', creating a word meaning to express or describe something in exaggerated terms.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom tends to overstate my cooking skills - I can barely make instant ramen!”
“The politician was criticized for overstating the economic benefits of the new policy.”
“I don't want to overstate it, but this pizza might be the greatest invention since the wheel.”
“It would be hard to overstate the impact of social media on modern communication.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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