overemphasize

[ oh-ver-em-fuh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·em·pha·sized, o·ver·em·pha·siz·ing.

1. to emphasize excessively.

verb (used without object)

, o·ver·em·pha·sized, o·ver·em·pha·siz·ing.

1. to use excessive emphasis.

overemphasize

/ ˌəʊvərˈɛmfəˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to give excessive emphasis or prominence to (something)

Derived Forms

• ˌoverˈemphasis, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overemphasize¹

First recorded in 1900–05; over- + emphasize

Example Sentences

The researchers are taking care not to overemphasize the results of their findings, saying the changes, while significant, remain slight.

From Science Daily

“I can’t overemphasize how once I read the information in the J6 transcripts how upset I was that the legitimate process had not been followed,” Renner said in the interview.

From Salon

“I can’t overemphasize how once I read the information in the J6 transcripts how upset I was that the legitimate process had not been followed,” he said in the interview.

From New York Times

Those few, however, have an opportunity to raise their stock through recency bias, a behavioral economics phenomenon defined as a tendency to overemphasize the importance of recent experiences when predicting future events.

From Los Angeles Times

“I cannot overemphasize the importance this living situation played in my life, and in the survival of me and my kids. I wouldn’t have been able to do my degree without it,” said one graduate student-parent who asked not to be named out of concern for her housing status.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• amplify
• distort
• emphasize
• fabricate
• falsify
• heighten
• inflate
• magnify
• misrepresent
• overdo
• overdraw
• overestimate