Definition

To allow too much light to reach a photographic film or plate, resulting in a picture that is too bright or washed out.

Example

If you overexpose the film, the images will lose their details and appear very bright.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I messed up my photos from the trip; I think I might have overexposed some of them.

Oh no! How did that happen?

I accidentally left the camera settings too high while shooting in the sun.

That’s a bummer! You should check the exposure next time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overexpose → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "expose" (from Latin "exponere", meaning to put out or to lay open). The word "overexpose" means to expose something excessively, often leading to damage or overexposure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over' meaning excessively and 'expose' meaning to lay something open — so overexpose means to lay something open too much.

Visually Confused Words