Meaning & Definition of word "Overemphasize"
Overemphasize
/ˌoʊvərˈɛfəˌsaɪz/
verb:
- 1. To give excessive emphasis to something; to stress a point excessively.
- Example: The speaker tended to overemphasize the importance of the new policy, leading to confusion among the audience.
- 2. To exaggerate the significance of something.
- Example: In her critique, she argued that the author overemphasizes the role of fear in human motivation.
- 3. To place too much importance on a particular aspect, often at the expense of others.
- Example: Teachers should not overemphasize standardized test scores at the cost of fostering creativity in students.
- 4. To highlight something in a way that may distort its actual importance.
- Example: The media tends to overemphasize celebrity failures, diverting attention from more relevant news.
Etymology
●Combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively, and 'emphasize' meaning to give emphasis or stress.
Common Phrases and Expressions
overemphasize the negative:
To focus excessively on negative aspects, leading to a skewed perspective.
don't overemphasize:
A phrase advising someone not to stress or exaggerate a point unnecessarily.
overemphasized details:
Referring to aspects that have been given undue significance or attention.
Related Words
emphasis:
Special importance or significance placed on something.
stress:
To give particular importance or priority to something.
highlight:
To make something stand out as important.
Slang Meanings of overemphasize
Meaning: Blowing it out of proportion
● Example Sentence: He's blowing this situation out of proportion, just like he always does.
Meaning: Making a mountain out of a molehill
● Example Sentence: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill; it's not that big of a deal.