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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.

overwrought

/ˌoʊvərˈrɔt/ /ˌəʊvəˈrɔːt/

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.

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