How Do You Spell OVERPRECISE?

Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəpɹɪsˈa͡ɪs] (IPA)

The word "overprecise" is spelled with four syllables: /əʊvəˈprɛsaɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced with the vowel sound /əʊ/ as in "over". The second syllable has the schwa sound /ə/ as in "the". The third syllable has the short "e" sound /ɛ/ as in "bed". The final syllable contains the diphthong sound /aɪ/ as in "eye" followed by the voiceless "s" sound /s/. This word means excessively accurate or exacting, going beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

OVERPRECISE Meaning and Definition

1. Overprecise is an adjective that describes an excessive level of precision or exactness in detail or manner. It refers to someone or something that is excessively particular, meticulous, or scrupulous, often to the point of being pedantic or overly fastidious. This word is used to depict individuals or situations where precision is pursued beyond what is necessary or reasonable, resulting in an excessive focus on small details or an undue emphasis on accuracy.

   An overprecise person might display an excessive attention to trivial details, taking great pains to ensure that everything is exact and precise, often at the expense of efficiency or practicality. They may insist on following strict rules or guidelines, even in situations where flexibility or adaptability would be more appropriate. Their obsession with precision may lead to unnecessary delays or complications.

   Similarly, an overprecise description or explanation involves an unnecessary or obsessive level of accuracy, often bogging down the main point or failing to convey information succinctly. In such cases, precision becomes a hindrance, detracting from the clarity or overall understanding of the subject matter.

   In summary, overprecise refers to an exaggerated focus on precision or detail that surpasses practicality or necessity. It implies an excessive attention to trivial matters and an unnecessary insistence on strict rules or guidelines, often resulting in inefficiency or undue complexity.

Common Misspellings for OVERPRECISE

• overpreise
• overpresse
• overprecie
• overpreccise
• overprescibe
• overpresised

Etymology of OVERPRECISE

The word "overprecise" is formed by combining the prefix "over-" with the adjective "precise".

The prefix "over-" in this context carries the meaning of excess or exaggeration. It is derived from Old English "ofer", which originally meant "above" or "across". Over time, it developed the sense of "beyond" or "excess" in words like "overestimate" or "overtake".

The word "precise" traces back to Latin "praecisus", the past participle of "praecidere", which means "to cut off" or "to trim". The Latin term "praecisus" suggests something that has been accurately trimmed or divided, and in English, "precise" retains this notion of exactness or accuracy.

Therefore, the word "overprecise" indicates an excessive level of precision or an overly meticulous approach to something.