overact
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈoʊvərækt/
KK: /ˈoʊvərækt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To perform in a way that is too dramatic or exaggerated, often more than what is necessary.
Example
In the play, the actor tended to overact, making his performance less believable.
Tense Forms
Past: overacted
Past Participle: overacted
Conversation
Did you see that play last night?
Yeah, I thought some actors really overact during their scenes.
I know, right? It made some moments feel less believable.
Exactly! Subtlety can really make a performance shine.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
exaggerate
overplay
ham
Antonyms
underact
minimize
restrain
transitive verb
Definition
To perform a role in a way that is overly dramatic or exaggerated, often making it seem unrealistic.
Example
The actor tended to overact during emotional scenes, making them less believable.
Tense Forms
Past: overacted
Past Participle: overacted
Conversation
Did you see that play last night?
Yeah, I thought the lead actor really tended to overact during the emotional scenes.
I agree! It felt like he was trying too hard to make an impact.
Root Explanation
Overact → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "act" (from Latin "agere", meaning to do or perform). The word "overact" means to perform or act excessively or in an exaggerated manner.
Memory Tip
Think of acting 'too much' ('over-') — that's why overact means to perform in an exaggerated way.
Visually Confused Words
veracity