overstate

/ˌəʊvəˈsteɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌəʊvərˈsteɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌō-vər-ˈstāt/ (ame, mw)

overstate — verb

  • overstatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • overstateshe / she / it
  • overstatedpast simple
  • overstating-ing form

1. to make a fact, problem, or result sound greater than the facts support.

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make a fact, problem, or result sound greater than the facts support.

例句

The report overstated the risk of side effects in children.

common object: risk

At the meeting, Priya overstated how much money the repairs needed.

pattern: overstate how much + noun clause

同義詞
  • exaggerate

    more general and slightly less formal, often about stories, feelings, or effects

  • inflate

    especially used for numbers, prices, or importance made too large

  • overplay

    often used when someone gives too much importance to a risk, problem, or strength

  • magnify

    can be more figurative, making a problem or detail seem larger

反義詞
  • understate

    to make something sound smaller or less serious than it really is

  • downplay

    to make something seem less important, often on purpose

文法句型

overstate + risk/cost/problem

overstate how much + noun clause

用法筆記

Usually takes a direct object naming a claim, amount, risk, cost, or effect. Common in reports, advertising, politics, and other formal discussion where accuracy matters.

常見錯誤

❌The report overstated about the danger.
✅The report overstated the danger.
💡'overstate' takes a direct object, not 'about'.
❌She overstate the cost in her email.
✅She overstated the cost in her email.
💡use the past form 'overstated' for a finished event.