overcompensatory
1
8.7
- adjective
- /ˌoʊvərˈkɒmpənˌseɪtəri/
:
sobrecompensatorio
- The manager's overcompensatory measures to improve employee morale included throwing a lavish party.
And that feels really, it feels like legitimate strength, not like overcompensatory strength.
- And that feels really, it feels like legitimate strength, not like overcompensatory strength.
Examples
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And that feels really, it feels like legitimate strength, not like overcompensatory strength.
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Well... ...your constant references to your sexual prowess... ...are nothing if not overcompensatory... ...and lead me to think that you're a misogynist who is very insecure.
-
His overcompensatory reaction to the criticism only made the situation worse.
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She gave an overcompensatory apology that seemed excessive for the minor mistake.
Synonyms
47
5.9
Too large or small compared with what is fair
1
6.3
Show too strong feelings or actions for small problems
1
6.7
Being too large or too small compared with something else
How Compensatory
Surface Forms
Morphology
overcompensatory = compensatory (semi-transparent) = over + compensate + ory
While the prefix 'over-' and the base 'compensatory' are clear, the specific meaning of exceeding necessary correction may not be immediately apparent to all learners.
Etymology
Overcompensatory combines over- ('too much') with compensatory, which comes from an old root meaning 'to weigh' and grew into the idea of 'making up for', as in compensate and compensation. So, it literally means 'making up for something too much', which is why we use it for a response that goes beyond what is necessary.