Definition

To think that something is better or more important than it really is.

Example

Many people overrate the importance of fame in achieving happiness.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think some people really overrate that new restaurant downtown.

Really? I've heard great things about it.

Yeah, but I felt the food was just average, nothing special at all.

That's a bummer! Sometimes hype can really mislead us.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overrate → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "rate" (from Old French *rate*, meaning to assess or evaluate). The word "overrate" means to assess something as being greater than it actually is, or to evaluate excessively.

Memory Tip

Think of evaluating something 'excessively' ('over-') — that's why overrate means to give something too high a value.

Visually Confused Words