overly (B2)

adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈoʊ.vɚ.li/

Definition

To an excessive degree; more than is usual, reasonable, or necessary.

Examples

• She was overly concerned about the potential risks.

• The movie was overly long and could have been edited down.

• He seemed overly eager to please the new boss.

How to Use overly

overly + adjective (collocation)

Describes an adjective as being excessive. — "The instructions were overly complicated."

overly + adverb (collocation)

Describes another adverb as being excessive. — "He spoke overly quickly for me to understand."

Synonyms of overly

Words with a similar meaning to overly:

• too
• excessively
• immoderately
• unduly

Antonyms of overly

Words with the opposite meaning to overly:

• sufficiently
• appropriately
• reasonably

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