adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb, expressing manner, place, time, or degree
Overly anxious, overly critical, overly attached
Overly structured, overly lenient, overly demanding
Overly clingy, overly possessive, overly controlling
Overly promotional, overly aggressive, overly exaggerated
In the context of writing, 'overly' is often used to describe a piece of writing that is excessively or unnecessarily done. For example, a writer may be criticized for being overly descriptive or overly critical in their work.
Psychologists may use the term 'overly' to describe behavior or thought patterns that are exaggerated or extreme. For example, a psychologist may say that a patient is overly anxious or overly dependent on others.
Teachers may use 'overly' to describe a student who is excessively disruptive or talkative in class. They may also use it to refer to a student who is overly focused on perfection or achievement.
Lawyers may use 'overly' to describe a legal argument that is unnecessarily complex or convoluted. They may also use it to refer to a client who is overly emotional or aggressive in their interactions with others.
Engineers may use 'overly' to describe a design or solution that is overly complicated or over-engineered. They may also use it to refer to a colleague who is overly cautious or risk-averse in their approach to problem-solving.