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Glite Dictionary
overrepresented

overrepresented

6.3
Found in larger numbers than expected
  • adjective
  • /ˌoʊvərˈrɛprɪˌzɛntɪd/
translation icon : sobrerrepresentado
  • The survey showed that women are often overrepresented in healthcare professions.

Examples

  • In the film industry, certain demographics remain overrepresented among lead actors.

  • In some cases, you have groups that are overrepresented, and that can be OK.

  • Critics pointed out that minorities are frequently overrepresented in media portrayals.

Antonyms

underrepresented
4 4.6

Having fewer people and less attention than they should have

How Represented

overrepresented
6.3

Surface Forms

overrepresented positive

Morphology

overrepresented = overrepresent (transparent) = over + represent + ed

Formed from 'over-' + 'represent' with the participial '-ed'; the meaning 'represented to an excessive degree' follows directly from its parts.

Etymology

Overrepresented combines the prefix over- meaning 'too much' and represent meaning 'to show' or 'stand for', like the common word present which also means 'to show'. So, overrepresented describes something that is shown or counted 'too much' and is present in larger numbers than usual.