overbuild
|o-ver-build|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌoʊvərˈbɪld/
🇬🇧
/ˌəʊvəˈbɪld/
excessive construction
Etymology
Etymology Information
'overbuild' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'oferbyldan,' where 'ofer-' meant 'over' and 'byldan' meant 'to build.'
Historical Evolution
'oferbyldan' transformed into the Middle English word 'overbilden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'overbuild.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to build over or on top of something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to construct excessively.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to construct more buildings than necessary or beyond the capacity of an area.
The city has overbuilt its downtown area, leading to a surplus of office space.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/06/22 14:21