overcompensate

IPA/ˌəʊvəˈkɒmpenseɪt/
IPA/ˌəʊvərˈkɑːmpenseɪt/

overcompensate — verb

  • overcompensatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • overcompensateshe / she / it
  • overcompensatedpast simple
  • overcompensating-ing form

1. to respond to a mistake, weakness, or change with such an extreme adjustment tha

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to respond to a mistake, weakness, or change with such an extreme adjustment that you create a different problem.

例句

When the bike slipped, Theo overcompensated and steered straight into the curb.

overcompensate after losing control

After one bad quiz, Imani overcompensated by studying until three every night.

overcompensate by + -ing

同義詞
  • overcorrect

    more common for steering, balance, and other technical adjustments

  • overreact

    broader and often emotional, not only about correcting something

  • go too far

    more informal and less tied to an original mistake

反義詞
  • adjust

    suggests making a measured change without creating a new problem

文法句型

overcompensate for + problem/weakness

overcompensate by + -ing

用法筆記

Usually followed by for plus the original problem, and often by by plus the excessive reaction. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about hiding insecurity rather than fixing a practical problem.

常見錯誤

❌She overcompensated the mistake.
✅She overcompensated for the mistake by apologizing to everyone.
💡the verb normally needs for before the problem and often by before the excessive action.

2. to cover a private feeling of weakness or low worth by acting more confident, pr

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to cover a private feeling of weakness or low worth by acting more confident, proud, or impressive than you really feel.

例句

Brandon overcompensated for his shyness by acting like the loudest person there.

overcompensate for insecurity

After years of teasing, Niran overcompensated with expensive clothes and a sharp car.

overcompensate with status symbols

同義詞
  • show off

    more informal and focuses on trying to attract attention

  • overplay

    can describe exaggerating one quality or role for effect

  • mask

    broader and does not always involve exaggerated behavior

文法句型

overcompensate for + insecurity/weakness

overcompensate with + status/behavior

用法筆記

Usually describes behavior that follows embarrassment, long criticism, or insecurity. The extra display is meant to cover a weak self-image, not to solve an outside problem as in sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌He overcompensated his short height with a loud voice.
✅He overcompensated for his short height with a loud voice.
💡use for before the weakness someone is trying to hide.