Overstep

Pronunciation: /ˌoʊvərˈstɛp/

Definitions of overstep

verb to go beyond the limits of what is considered acceptable or appropriate

Example Sentences

A1 I told him not to overstep the line.

A2 She didn't mean to overstep her boundaries.

B1 It's important not to overstep the rules in this organization.

B2 The new manager tends to overstep his authority.

C1 The politician was criticized for overstepping his power.

C2 The CEO was accused of overstepping ethical boundaries in his business dealings.

Examples of overstep in a Sentence

formal It is important not to overstep the boundaries of professional etiquette in the workplace.

informal Hey, make sure you don't overstep with your jokes around her.

slang Dude, you totally overstepped by flirting with her friend right in front of her.

figurative The new policy may overstep the limits of government intervention in personal matters.

Grammatical Forms of overstep

• past tense: overstepped
• plural: oversteps
• comparative: more overstep
• superlative: most overstep
• present tense: overstep
• future tense: will overstep
• perfect tense: have overstepped
• continuous tense: is overstepping
• singular: overstep
• positive degree: overstep
• infinitive: to overstep
• gerund: overstepping
• participle: overstepped

Origin and Evolution of overstep

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'overstep' originated from the combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning beyond or excessively, and the word 'step' which refers to a movement made by lifting one foot and putting it down in a different place.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the sense of physically stepping beyond a boundary, 'overstep' has evolved to also mean exceeding limits or boundaries in a figurative sense, such as breaking rules or going too far in behavior or actions.