overcompensate
|o/ver/com/pen/sate|
🇺🇸
/ˌoʊvərˈkɒmpənˌseɪt/
🇬🇧
/ˌəʊvəˈkɒmpənˌseɪt/
excessive correction
Etymology
'overcompensate' originates from the prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessively' and the verb 'compensate' from Latin 'compensare', where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'pensare' meant 'to weigh'.
'compensare' transformed into the French word 'compenser', and eventually became the modern English word 'compensate', with 'over-' added to form 'overcompensate'.
Initially, it meant 'to balance or make up for something', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'making excessive corrections'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make excessive corrections or adjustments to compensate for a perceived deficiency or mistake.
He tends to overcompensate for his lack of confidence by being overly assertive.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45