Definition

To count a larger number of items than what is actually there, or to give more importance to one item over another when counting.

Example

If you overcount the votes, the results will be inaccurate.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think I might have overcounted the number of cookies I baked.

How many did you actually make?

I was aiming for a dozen, but I ended up with fifteen!

That's a nice surprise! Just means more cookies to share.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overcount → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively or too much) and "count" (from Old French *conter*, meaning to enumerate or tally). The word "overcount" means to count something excessively or more than it actually is.

Memory Tip

Think of counting something 'too much' ('over-') — that's why overcount means to count more than what is actually there.

Visually Confused Words