verb
overdo
oh-vuh-DOO
Overdo (verb) means to do something to an excessive or unwise degree. Example: “Don't overdo it at the gym on your first day back.”
verb
1
To do something to an excessive or unwise degree.
"Don't overdo it at the gym on your first day back."
"She overdid the seasoning and the soup came out too salty."
2
To cook something for too long.
"He overdid the turkey and it came out dry."
How to use overdo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take an action further than is sensible or necessary.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
overdo it
overdo the makeup
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- overdoes
- Past tense
- overdid, overdone
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't _____ it at the gym on your first day back.
Etymology
From Old English oferdōn, from over- + do.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “overdo” mean?
The word “overdo” means to do something to an excessive or unwise degree. In plain terms, to take an action further than is sensible or necessary.
How do you pronounce “overdo”?
“Overdo” is pronounced oh-vuh-DOO (/ˌoʊvɚˈdu/ in IPA).
How do you use “overdo” in a sentence?
Here is “overdo” used in a sentence: “Don't overdo it at the gym on your first day back.”
What part of speech is “overdo”?
“Overdo” is a verb.
Where does the word “overdo” come from?
The word “overdo” comes from Old English. From Old English oferdōn, from over- + do.
How many meanings does “overdo” have?
“Overdo” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to do something to an excessive or unwise degree.
