What does overexplain mean?
Overexplain is a verb that means to explain something in too much detail, often to the point of being tedious or boring. It is commonly used in informal contexts, such as in conversation or in writing for a general audience. The word can be used to convey a sense of annoyance or frustration with someone who is being too detailed or verbose. For example, a professor might overexplain a simple concept, losing the attention of the students. Alternatively, a writer's tendency to overexplain can make an article feel like a chore to read. Overall, overexplain is a useful word for describing situations where someone is being too detailed or verbose.
verbTo explain something in too much detail, often to the point of being tedious or boring.
- To explain something in too much detail, often to the point of being tedious or boring.
"The professor overexplained the simple concept, losing the attention of the students."
"The professor overexplained the simple concept, losing the attention of the students."
"The writer's tendency to overexplain made the article feel like a chore to read."
The plural form overexplains is used to describe situations where someone is being excessively detailed or verbose.
"The writer's tendency to overexplain made the article feel like a chore to read."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of overexplain
The word overexplain is derived from the verb explain, which means to make something clear or understandable. The prefix over- is added to indicate that the explanation is excessive or too detailed. The word has been in use since the mid-20th century, and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time.
How overexplain is actually used
Overexplain is often used in informal contexts, such as in conversation or in writing for a general audience. It can be used to convey a sense of annoyance or frustration with someone who is being too detailed or verbose.