Overwrought - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Overwrought means extremely agitated, overly emotional, or excessively elaborate. It describes someone who is highly stressed or something that is unnecessarily complicated or ornate.
Definition:
Extremely agitated, nervous, or excited due to stress or emotion.
Synonyms:
agitated, distraught, frantic, hysterical
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
calm, composed
Common Collocations:
overwrought emotions, overwrought state, overwrought expression
Derivatives:
overwroughtness (rare), overwroughtly (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "overwrought" to describe someone excessively emotional or something overly elaborate in style.
Common Phrases:
overwrought with emotion, overwrought nerves, overwrought drama
Etymology:
From Middle English "overwroght," past participle of "overwerken" (to overwork).
Examples:
- 1. She became overwrought after hearing the shocking news.
- 2. His speech was so overwrought that it lost its impact.
- 3. The novel's overwrought prose made it difficult to read.
- 4. Avoid making decisions when you're feeling overwrought and emotional.