overstated
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌoʊvərˈsteɪtɪd/
KK: /oʊvərˈsteɪtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that has been presented in a way that makes it seem more important or serious than it really is.
Example
The report's conclusions were overstated, leading to unnecessary panic among the public.
Conversation
I think the reviews for that movie were a bit overstated.
Really? I thought it was as good as everyone said it was.
Yeah, but I feel like they made it sound way better than it actually was.
I see what you mean; sometimes hype can be really misleading.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
exaggerated
inflated
magnified
Antonyms
understated
modest
realistic
verb
Definition
To say something in a way that makes it seem more important or serious than it really is.
Example
He overstated the benefits of the new policy during the meeting.
Tense Forms
Past: overstated
Past Participle: overstated
Conversation
I think the movie's plot was a bit overstated in the trailers.
Yeah, they really made it seem more exciting than it actually was.
Exactly! I was expecting a lot more action based on what they showed.
Root Explanation
Overstated → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "state" (from Latin "stare", meaning to stand). The word "overstated" means to state something excessively or to exaggerate.
Memory Tip
Think of saying something 'excessively' ('over-') and 'standing' ('stare') by that statement — that's why overstated means to exaggerate.
Visually Confused Words
versate
oersted