overemphasize
/ˌəʊvərˈemfəsaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌəʊvərˈemfəsaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-vər-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz/ (ame, mw)
overemphasize — verb
- overemphasizepresent simple I / you / we / they
- overemphasizeshe / she / it
- overemphasizedpast simple
- overemphasizing-ing form
1. to treat one part of something as more important than it really is.
to treat one part of something as more important than it really is.
The coach overemphasized winning and ignored the players' health.
common object: winning
In class, Apinya overemphasized grammar rules and skipped speaking practice.
pattern: overemphasize a detail and neglect another skill
The news story overemphasized one mistake in the minister's speech.
Reuben overemphasized the low price when he sold the old car.
Some travel ads overemphasize luxury and hide the long bus ride.
- exaggerate
broader and more common, often used for stories, claims, or feelings
- overstate
close in meaning but usually used for facts, amounts, or risks in formal discussion
- inflate
often used for numbers, prices, or importance made larger than they are
- downplay
to make something seem less important than it is
- understate
to describe something as smaller or less serious than reality
文法句型
overemphasize + detail/problem/benefit
overemphasize one part of something
用法筆記
Usually takes a detail, reason, problem, or benefit as its object. It often suggests that other important facts receive too little attention.