adj

overzealous

oh-vuh-ZEH-luhs

Overzealous (adj) means Too eager or enthusiastic, often to an unhelpful or excessive degree. Example: “An overzealous security guard turned away several ticket holders by mistake.”

adj

Too eager or enthusiastic, often to an unhelpful or excessive degree.

"An overzealous security guard turned away several ticket holders by mistake."

"The overzealous fan tried to climb onto the stage."

How to use overzealous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo enthusiastic about something that it becomes a problem.

Common pairings

overzealous enforcement overzealous fan overzealous editor

Word forms

more overzealous comparative, most overzealous superlative

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An _____ security guard turned away several ticket holders by mistake.

Etymology

From over- + zealous.

Rhymes for overzealous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

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Frequently asked questions

What does “overzealous” mean?

The word “overzealous” means too eager or enthusiastic, often to an unhelpful or excessive degree. In plain terms, so enthusiastic about something that it becomes a problem.

How do you pronounce “overzealous”?

“Overzealous” is pronounced oh-vuh-ZEH-luhs (/ˌəʊvəˈzɛləs/ in IPA).

How do you use “overzealous” in a sentence?

Here is “overzealous” used in a sentence: “An overzealous security guard turned away several ticket holders by mistake.”

What part of speech is “overzealous”?

“Overzealous” is an adjective.