Definition

Describing someone who is overly serious or sincere, often to the point of being too intense or enthusiastic about something.

Example

His overearnest attitude made it hard for others to relax during the meeting.

Conversation

Have you noticed how overearnest Mark can be sometimes?

Yeah, it can be a bit much, can't it?

I mean, he really means well, but it feels forced.

Exactly! A little lightheartedness would go a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overearnest → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "earnest" (from Old English "earnest", meaning serious or zealous). The word "overearnest" means excessively serious or zealous about something.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'excessively' ('over-') 'serious' ('earnest') about something — that's what overearnest means.

Visually Confused Words