overcharge
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈtʃɑrdʒ/
KK: /oʊvərˈtʃɑrdʒ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To ask for a price that is higher than what is reasonable or fair.
Example
The store tends to overcharge for its products compared to other shops.
Tense Forms
Past: overcharged
Past Participle: overcharged
Conversation
I feel like they always overcharge for everything at that café.
I know, right? A simple coffee costs an arm and a leg.
Exactly! It's frustrating when you just want a quick snack.
Totally! They really need to reevaluate their prices.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
exorbit
inflate
gouge
Antonyms
discount
rebate
reduce
noun
Definition
An excessive amount charged for a product or service, often more than what is fair or reasonable.
Example
The customer complained about the overcharge on their bill.
Conversation
Did you see the price on that new phone?
Yeah, it feels like a total overcharge for what you get.
I know, right? It's like they think we don't notice these things.
transitive verb
Definition
To ask for more money than something is worth or to charge too much for a product or service.
Example
The store decided to overcharge customers for the new smartphone, leading to many complaints.
Tense Forms
Past: overcharged
Past Participle: overcharged
Conversation
Did you see how much they tried to overcharge for that concert ticket?
I know, right? It was way too expensive for the venue.
It's frustrating when they overcharge like that, especially for smaller artists.
Root Explanation
Overcharge → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "charge" (from Old French *charger*, meaning to load or burden). The word "overcharge" means to load or burden excessively, often referring to charging too much for a service or product.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'excessive' ('over-') in how much you 'load' or 'burden' someone with a charge — that's why overcharge means to charge too much.
Visually Confused Words
reovercharge