verb
overthink
Overthink (verb) means to think about something for too long or too hard, often making a simple decision harder than it needs to be. Example: “Don't overthink it — just send the email.”
verb
1
To think about something for too long or too hard, often making a simple decision harder than it needs to be.
"Don't overthink it — just send the email."
"She overthought every word of her text message."
How to use overthink
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo worry over a decision or problem far more than is useful.
Memory tip
Often used as advice: "don't overthink it," meaning trust your first instinct.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
tend to overthink
overthink things
overthink a decision
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- overthinks
- Past tense
- overthought
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't _____ it — just send the email.
Etymology
From Old English oferþenċan, "to think over, consider," built from over- + think.
Frequently asked questions
What does “overthink” mean?
The word “overthink” means to think about something for too long or too hard, often making a simple decision harder than it needs to be. In plain terms, to worry over a decision or problem far more than is useful.
How do you use “overthink” in a sentence?
Here is “overthink” used in a sentence: “Don't overthink it — just send the email.”
What part of speech is “overthink”?
“Overthink” is a verb.
Where does the word “overthink” come from?
The word “overthink” comes from Old English. From Old English oferþenċan, "to think over, consider," built from over- + think.
