Definition

To identify a condition or disease more frequently than it truly exists, often leading to unnecessary treatment or concern.

Example

Doctors sometimes overdiagnose conditions, causing patients to worry unnecessarily.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read an article that said doctors often overdiagnose certain conditions.

Really? That sounds concerning. What did they say?

They mentioned how it can lead to unnecessary treatments.

That's true; it’s important to get accurate diagnoses.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overdiagnose → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "diagnose" (from Greek "diagnōsis", meaning to discern or distinguish). The word refers to the act of diagnosing a condition excessively or inaccurately.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over' meaning excessively, and 'diagnose' meaning to discern a condition. This helps you remember that 'overdiagnose' means to excessively identify a condition.

Visually Confused Words