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In English the word "over" is made to give more specific meaning by putting in front of a verb to form a new word such as overdo, overdress, overact, etc.

In English, "over" offers so many meanings that it would take a few months' worth of this column to cover all of its linguistic properties. This is why, in today's column, I will mention only the meanings used in the following headline and some verbs and adjectives beginning with "over" that we Thais usually only refer to as "werrr".

Bad-debt crisis 'far from over'

Here "over" is used to describe a situation or activity which is completely finished,

"Bad-debt crisis is far from finished"; or in other words, it will take some time before the bad-debt crisis will end. You can also use "all over" for this meaning.

"Daddy, it is still a few more hours before the fair is over, can't we stay a little longer?" - "But it is overcrowded and very hot; I just can't enjoy the fair when there are too many people."

At a school party, Sally came in her mum's silk dress. She looked sweet but Rene, her rival, thought that Sally overdressed and she looked awful.

When someone overdresses, they wear too many clothes or clothes that are too formal for the occasion.

It's a casual function; jeans are okay, don't overdress.

 

The next three words look similar in a way but they actually don't mean the same; overact, overreact and overdo.

In a play, "to overact" is used to describe a character who expresses his or her emotions and gestures too strongly; it shows disapproval.

I think the hero overacted a bit; he did not look natural.

 

This is different from when someone overreacts.

Ten-year-old Mathew is too scared to go to bed alone after he was watching Scooby Doo; he was overreacting. Mary was so upset she could not get her work done because she lost her pen, she overreacted. Pat was very, very angry because the Internet connection was a little slower than usual, he overreacted.

 

And lastly, "overdo"; the word can be used in two situations, the first is to describe an action in a particular situation which is done too strongly or more than appropriate. This use is to show disapproval.

I know you are excited but don't overdo it or you will look silly.

 

The second meaning is when someone tries to do more than they are physically capable of it.

You have just recovered from the flu; don't overdo it with your workout.

 

Complete the sentences with the words explained:

1. Let's do it again; I think you guys … in our last rehearsal.

2. The fashion show was fabulous but the models … it a bit during the catwalk, wearing these ridiculous hats.

3. Willie was hoping that his bad luck will be …soon.

4. Get somebody to help you move the furniture, don't … it.

5. Wearing business clothes to a beach party! I think he is a bit …, don't you think? 

 

Answers: 1. overacted, 2. overdid, 3. over/all over, 4. overdo, 5. overdressed

By Parnsap Yomanage