Overly

/ˈoʊ.vər.li/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

To an excessive degree; excessively.

She was overly critical of her own work.

In a manner that is more than is necessary or normal.

He was overly enthusiastic about the project, which made some team members uncomfortable.

Too much; more than is reasonable.

The dress was overly complicated with too many patterns.

In an exaggerated or extreme way.

The movie was overly dramatic, which detracted from the storyline.

Derived from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excess' and the adverbial suffix '-ly.'

overly optimistic

Having excessive hope for a positive outcome.

overly dramatic

Exaggerating emotional responses.

overly cautious

Being excessively careful or risk-averse.

over

In excess; beyond standard limits.

A suffix used to form adverbs.

Too much or too far; excessive.

That outfit is just overly.

Being extra; going beyond what is normal.

She's being overly right now with all the attention.