overblown

/ˌəʊvəˈbləʊn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌəʊvərˈbləʊn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-vər-ˈblōn/ (ame, mw)

overblown — adjective

  • overblownpositive
  • more overblowncomparative
  • most overblownsuperlative

1. describes a claim, reaction, review, or piece of entertainment that is presented

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a claim, reaction, review, or piece of entertainment that is presented in a far grander or more dramatic way than the facts support.

例句

Shanti laughed at the overblown headline about a harmless office memo.

overblown + headline for exaggerated reporting

The coach said the online anger over one missed pass felt overblown.

predicative: feel overblown after criticism

同義詞
  • exaggerated

    neutral and broad; overblown adds a stronger sense of drama

  • inflated

    often used for importance, numbers, or reputation rather than style

  • melodramatic

    focuses on theatrical emotional display

反義詞

文法句型

overblown + noun

seem/sound overblown

用法筆記

Common with criticism of headlines, speeches, reviews, reactions, and showy entertainment. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense judges exaggeration, not flowers that have gone past their best stage.

常見錯誤

❌The paper gave an overblownly report of the storm.
✅The paper gave an overblown report of the storm.
💡use 'overblown' as an adjective before a noun.

2. describes flowers or flowering plants that have already gone beyond their freshe

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describes flowers or flowering plants that have already gone beyond their freshest and most attractive stage.

例句

By Sunday, the roses on Lara's table already looked overblown.

look overblown for flowers past their best

Wei cut the overblown tulips before the petals fell onto the floor.

overblown + flower noun

同義詞
  • faded

    broader; faded can mean losing color, not specifically going past full bloom

  • past its prime

    broader phrase for something no longer at its best

反義詞
  • fresh

    still lively and newly opened

  • in bloom

    currently flowering at a good stage

文法句型

become overblown

look overblown

用法筆記

Used mainly for flowers and decorative plants, often when the petals have opened too far and are starting to lose shape. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is physical and botanical, not about exaggerated language or style.

常見錯誤

❌The old actor looked overblown after the interview.
✅The old actor looked worn out after the interview.
💡this sense is for flowers or plants, not people.