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overstate

verb

/ˌəʊvəˈsteɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of overstate

To exaggerate or express something in a way that is beyond its true or accurate value or significance.
"The company tends to overstate their profits to impress investors."

Detailed meaning of overstate

It involves using hyperbolic language or making claims that are inflated or untrue in order to make something seem more important or impressive than it actually is. For example, a salesperson may overstate the benefits of a product in order to persuade a customer to buy it. Similarly, a politician may overstate their accomplishments or promises in order to win the support of voters. In general, the term 'overstate' implies a sense of distortion or exaggeration, often with the intention of manipulating or deceiving others. It is the opposite of 'understate', which involves expressing something in a way that is less significant or impressive than it actually is.

Example sentences containing overstate

1. People often overstate their abilities to make themselves appear more competent.
2. Let's not overstate the importance of this minor setback.
3. The media tends to overstate the impact of celebrity scandals.
4. It's easy to overstate the benefits of a new product before it's been thoroughly tested.
5. Some politicians tend to overstate their accomplishments to gain public support.
6. Don't overstate your case or you might lose credibility.

History and etymology of overstate

The verb 'overstate' has a clear etymological origin in English, where 'over' denotes excess or beyond, and 'state' refers to expressing or presenting something. When combined, 'overstate' means to express or represent something in a manner that goes beyond its true or accurate value or significance. It implies an exaggeration or inflation of facts or information, often with the intention of making a point more forcefully or persuasively. 'Overstate' underscores the notion of taking something beyond its normal or appropriate boundaries in language or representation, emphasizing its role in describing the act of exaggeration or hyperbole, as conveyed by its linguistic heritage.

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Further usage examples of overstate

1. It would be a mistake to overstate the significance of one study's findings.
2. The speaker tried to overstate the dangers to sway the audience's opinion.
3. Critics often overstate the negative impact of social media on society.
4. We should be cautious not to overstate the potential benefits of this new technology.
5. People tend to overstate the importance of material possessions for happiness.
6. Let's not overstate the influence of a single individual in shaping history.
7. The media can sometimes overstate the risks associated with certain activities.
8. The report seemed to overstate the economic impact of the new policy.
9. It's important to present the facts accurately and not overstate their significance.
10. Don't overstate your case in the argument, stick to the facts.
11. The company's marketing campaign deliberately overstates the benefits of their product.
12. Critics often overstate the negative effects of video games on children.
13. It is easy to overstate the value of a quick fix solution to complex problems.
14. Let's not overstate the role of luck in achieving success.