Definition

Describing fruit or vegetables that have become too mature and are starting to spoil or decay.

Example

The overripe bananas were too soft to eat, so I made banana bread instead.

Conversation

I found some bananas on the counter that look a bit overripe.

Oh no, how long have they been there?

I think they were left from last week, so they're definitely past their prime.

You should make banana bread with them before they go to waste!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overripe → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "ripe" (from Old English "rīpe", meaning fully matured or ready to eat). The word "overripe" means excessively matured or past the ideal stage of ripeness.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'excessively' ('over-') 'matured' ('ripe') — that's why overripe refers to something that has gone beyond the perfect stage of ripeness.

Visually Confused Words