overly
UK: ˈəʊvəli | US: ˈoʊvərli
adv. to an excessive or unnecessary degree
overly = over<excessive> + ly<adverb suffix>
- over: From Old English ofer, meaning "above, beyond, excessively."
- ly: A suffix forming adverbs from adjectives, originating from Old English -līce.
Etymology Origin:
The word "overly" combines the root "over," which has long signified excess or superiority in Germanic languages, with the adverbial suffix "-ly." This structure emerged in Middle English (as overli) to explicitly convey the sense of "too much" or "unnecessarily." Unlike its simpler counterpart "over," which can function as a preposition/adverb, "overly" specializes in modifying adjectives or verbs to emphasize excessiveness (e.g., "overly cautious").
She was overly concerned about minor details.
The teacher criticized him for being overly dramatic.
Avoid adding overly spicy ingredients to the dish.
His overly optimistic attitude sometimes led to disappointment.
The report was deemed overly complex for general readers.