Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

paper over

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.03 in modern English

Syllables: pa-per over
IPA

16

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To superficially hide or disguise (a problem or a defect) without addressing it; to provide a veneer of normality or success.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"Runaway lending continues, bad debts mount even higher, and the need for more cash to paper over losses becomes that much more acute."
"While Volcker briefly submitted his resignation to Treasury Secretary Baker, a new vote would paper over immediate tensions – though Volcker's time as chair was numbered, going forward."

Etymology

Suggesting the use of wallpaper to cover defects on a wall.

Usage

Transitive verb

Inflected Forms

papers over (present, singular) papering over (participle, present) papered over (participle, past) papered over (past)

Phrases

under the carpet under the rug

Frequently Paired Words

under the carpet under the rug

Synonyms

cover up gloss over whitewash

Questions

What does paper over mean?: To superficially hide or disguise (a problem or a defect) without addressing it; to provide a veneer of normality or success.
Where does paper over come from?: Suggesting the use of wallpaper to cover defects on a wall.

How to pronounce paper over

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “paper over”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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