Pronunciation: /oʊvərɪkˈstɛnʃən/
noun a linguistic phenomenon in which a word or phrase is used in a broader context than is appropriate
A1 Children often go through a phase of overextension when learning new words.
A2 In language acquisition, overextension refers to the tendency of young children to apply a word to a broader range of objects than adults would.
B1 Overextension can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in communication, especially when a word is used in a non-standard way.
B2 Linguists study overextension as a natural part of language development and evolution.
C1 The phenomenon of overextension in language can provide insights into how words and meanings change over time.
C2 Researchers have conducted experiments to explore the cognitive processes involved in overextension and its implications for linguistic theory.
formal The concept of overextension in linguistics refers to the inappropriate use of a word or phrase beyond its accepted meanings.
informal She tends to overextend herself by taking on too many projects at once.
slang Don't overextend your budget by splurging on unnecessary items.
figurative In relationships, emotional overextension can lead to burnout and resentment.
overextended
overextensions
more overextended
most overextended
overextend
will overextend
have overextended
is overextending
overextension
overextension
to overextend
overextending
overextended