Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

overcompensate

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.19 in modern English

Syllables
over-com-pen-sate
IPA
23
Scrabble Score
14
Letters
4
Syllables
11
Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To do an excessive amount in one area in an effort to overcome a perceived lack in another area.

Intransitive verb

verb

To provide with excessive pay or reward for work performed.

Transitive verb

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *úp Proto-Indo-European *-er Proto-Indo-European *upér Proto-Germanic *uber Old English ofer- Middle English over- English over- English compensate English overcompensate From over- + compensate.

Usage

Inflected Forms

overcompensates (present, singular) overcompensating (participle, present) overcompensated (participle, past) overcompensated (past)

Derived Forms

overcompensatingly overcompensator

Frequently Paired Words

overcompensation overcompensatory

Synonyms

over-correct cover compensate

Questions

What does overcompensate mean?
To do an excessive amount in one area in an effort to overcome a perceived lack in another area.
Where does overcompensate come from?
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *úp Proto-Indo-European *-er Proto-Indo-European *upér Proto-Germanic *uber Old English ofer- Middle English over- English over- English compensate English overcompensate From over- + compensate.

How to pronounce overcompensate

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “overcompensate”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “overcompensate”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “overcompensate” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.