overeager
/'ouvər'i:gə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
He was overeager to answer the question and raised his hand before the teacher finished speaking.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Excessively eager: Showing too much enthusiasm, desire, or impatience, often to the point of being unwise, inappropriate, or off-putting.
Usage
The adjective "overeager" is used to describe a person, their behavior, or their attitude when their enthusiasm or desire is considered too intense or premature. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of restraint, judgment, or proper timing. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "be," "seem," or "become."
Examples
- The overeager salesman frightened away potential customers with his aggressive pitch.
- She was overeager to please her new boss, which sometimes made her colleagues uncomfortable.
- His overeager acceptance of the deal made the other party suspect there was a hidden problem.
Advanced Usage
- "to be overeager for/in": To show excessive desire or impatience for something specific.
- The intern was overeager for approval and often interrupted meetings.
- "to seem/become overeager": To give the impression of or transition into a state of excessive eagerness.
- Try not to seem overeager during the salary negotiation.
Variants and Related Words
- Overeagerness (noun): The state or quality of being overeager.
- His overeagerness was mistaken for desperation.
- Eager (adjective): Having or showing keen interest or intense desire. (This is the base word without the excessive quality implied by "over-".)
- She was eager to start her new job.
Synonyms
- Overzealous: Too zealous or enthusiastic.
- Overenthusiastic: Excessively enthusiastic.
- Keen to a fault: Very eager, but in a way that is disadvantageous.
Antonyms
- Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
- Indifferent: Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
- Reluctant: Unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.
He was overeager to answer the question and raised his hand before the teacher finished speaking.
Adjective
- excessively eager
- overeager in his pursuit of the girl