OVERLY Meaning and
Definition
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"Overly" is an adverb that is used to describe excessive or exaggerated behavior or characteristics. It implies an excessive amount of something beyond what is considered to be normal, reasonable, or necessary in a given context. This word indicates a lack of moderation or restraint.
When used to modify an adjective or adverb, "overly" emphasizes the extent or intensity of a quality or action. For example, if someone is described as "overly cautious," it suggests that they are excessively careful or overly concerned about potential risks or dangers. Similarly, if a movie is criticized for being "overly dramatic," it means that it contains an excessive amount of intense or exaggerated emotions.
"Overly" can also be used to modify verbs, indicating that an action is done excessively or unnecessarily. For instance, if someone is "overly controlling," it implies that they exert too much control or try to manipulate situations excessively.
Overall, "overly" serves to convey the notion of going beyond what is considered normal or appropriate in terms of behavior, characteristics, actions, or qualities. It emphasizes the excessiveness or exaggeration of something, highlighting a lack of moderation or restraint.
Top Common Misspellings for OVERLY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for OVERLY
Etymology of OVERLY
The word overly originated from the combination of the prefix over- and the Old English word lice.
The prefix over- in English often indicates excess, abundance, or superiority. It comes from the Old English ofer, which means above, beyond, or in excess.
The term lice was commonly used in Old English to mean manner or way. This word can be traced back to the Old English lic, which means body or form.
Combining the prefix over- with the Old English lice created the word overly, which originally meant in a manner or way that is too much or excessively. Over time, it developed to its current usage as an adverb meaning excessively or too.
Similar spelling words for OVERLY
- overlap,
- overlook,
- overall,
- overleaf,
- overlarge,
- overlie,
- overhaul,
- overlay,
- ovral,
- overladen,
- overload,
- overleap,
- overlock,
- overlayer,
- overlying,
- overlord,
- overland.
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