Overplay

Pronunciation: /oʊvərˈpleɪ/

Definitions of overplay

verb to exaggerate or overemphasize something, especially in a performance or situation

Example Sentences

A1 She tends to overplay her emotions when watching movies.

A2 The actor overplayed his role in the play, making it less believable.

B1 It's important not to overplay your hand during negotiations.

B2 The coach warned the team not to overplay their strengths and become complacent.

C1 The politician was criticized for overplaying the significance of the new policy.

C2 The director was accused of overplaying the drama in the film, making it seem unrealistic.

Examples of overplay in a Sentence

formal It is important not to overplay the significance of this minor issue.

informal Don't overplay your hand in negotiations or you might lose out.

slang I think you're overplaying how much fun we had at the party.

figurative She tends to overplay her emotions when she's upset.

Grammatical Forms of overplay

• past tense: overplayed
• plural: overplays
• comparative: more overplayed
• superlative: most overplayed
• present tense: overplays
• future tense: will overplay
• perfect tense: have overplayed
• continuous tense: is overplaying
• singular: overplay
• positive degree: overplay
• infinitive: to overplay
• gerund: overplaying
• participle: overplayed

Origin and Evolution of overplay

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'overplay' originated from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning excessive or too much, and the word 'play' meaning to perform or engage in an activity.

Evolution of the word: Initially, 'overplay' was used in a literal sense to describe excessive or exaggerated acting on stage. Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include any situation where something is done to excess or in an exaggerated manner.