Definition

The quality of being too eager or enthusiastic about something, often to the point of being excessive or inappropriate.

Example

Her overeagerness to please everyone sometimes made her seem insincere.

Conversation

I think my overeagerness to help out is getting a bit out of hand.

It's great that you want to help, but sometimes less is more.

Yeah, I just don't want to seem pushy with my overeagerness.

I get that! A balance is definitely key.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overeagerness → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "eager" (from Old English *eager*, meaning keen or enthusiastic) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state of being). The word describes the state of being excessively enthusiastic or keen.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'excessively' ('over-') 'keen' or 'enthusiastic' ('eager') — that's what overeagerness means.

Visually Confused Words