Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəklˈɛvənəs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "overcleverness" can be a bit tricky. It is pronounced /oʊvərˈklɛvərnəs/ and is made up of four syllables. The first syllable is "over," the second is "clever," and the last two are "ness." The "c" in "clever" is not pronounced as a /k/ sound, but rather as a /kl/ sound. This word is used to describe someone who is too clever for their own good, often to the point of causing problems.
Overcleverness is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being excessively or unnecessarily clever or cunning. It can describe a tendency to exhibit excessive intelligence, shrewdness, or wit, often leading to a negative outcome or unintended consequences.
This term is often used to criticize individuals who rely too heavily on their intellectual ability or craftiness, without considering the broader implications of their actions. An overclever person may be adept at manipulating situations or people to their advantage, but their actions are often perceived as sly or deceitful. They may prioritize personal gain or short-term success over ethical principles or long-term consequences.
Overcleverness can manifest in various situations, such as in business dealings, social interactions, or intellectual pursuits. In business, an overclever individual may attempt to exploit loopholes or use elaborate schemes to outsmart their competitors, but this behavior can lead to legal issues or damage their reputation in the long run.
In interpersonal relationships, overcleverness can result in manipulation or playing mind games with others, eroding trust and causing harm to those involved. Moreover, in intellectual pursuits, an overclever person may employ convoluted or unnecessarily complex arguments, which can confuse or mislead others and hinder genuine understanding or progress.
Overall, overcleverness is a term used to caution against an excessive reliance on intellect or cunning, emphasizing the need for balance, ethical considerations, and a broader perspective when applying cleverness or intelligence to various aspects of life.
The word "overcleverness" is formed by adding the prefix "over-" (meaning excessive) to the word "cleverness".
The term "cleverness" has its origins in the Middle English word "cliver", which meant "skillful" or "adroit". This Middle English term was derived from the Old English word "clifer" or "clyfer", which meant "skillful with the hands" or "dexterous". The Old English root is also associated with the Middle Low German word "clever", which meant "expert" or "adroit".
Therefore, "overcleverness" refers to an excessive or exaggerated display of skillfulness, adroitness, or cleverness.
