overexposed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərɪkˈspoʊzd/
KK: /oʊvərɪkˈspoʊzd/
adjective
Definition
Having been exposed to something excessively, often resulting in damage or loss of quality, especially in photography or film.
Example
The photograph was overexposed, making it too bright and lacking detail.
Conversation
I just got my photos back from the trip, but some of them look really bad.
Oh no, what happened to them?
I think they might be overexposed because of the bright sunlight.
That’s unfortunate! Maybe you can edit them a bit to fix it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
saturated
overlit
blanched
Antonyms
underexposed
darkened
shadowed
verb
Definition
To have been exposed to too much of something, especially light or attention, which can lead to negative effects.
Example
The photograph was overexposed, making it too bright to see the details clearly.
Tense Forms
Past: overexposed
Past Participle: overexposed
Conversation
Did you see that photo I took at the beach yesterday?
Yeah, it looked great, but I think you overexposed it a bit.
Really? I thought the lighting was perfect!
Root Explanation
Overexposed → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "expose" (from Latin "exponere", meaning to put out or to lay open). The word "overexposed" means to be excessively laid open to something, often referring to too much exposure to light or scrutiny.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'exposed' too much ('over-') — that's why overexposed means having too much exposure.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.