overvaliant

9.9

Being too brave in a way that is foolish and dangerous

adjective
/ˌoʊvərˈvæljənt/

: temerario

Only an overvaliant knight would challenge the dragon alone.

Examples

His overvaliant attempts to rescue the cat from the tree were unnecessary.
The general's overvaliant strategy worried his cautious advisers.
Her overvaliant attempts often led her into unnecessary danger.
Don't be so overvaliant when it comes to your safety!
Only an overvaliant knight would challenge the dragon alone.
Her overvaliant attempts often led her into unnecessary danger.
His overvaliant actions in the face of danger shocked everyone.

Synonyms

brazen

vsovervaliant

37 7.3

Showing no shame or respect for rules

is excessive bravery centred on risk rather than on shamelessness

audacious

vsovervaliant

26 7.6

To take bold risks and do daring things

is excessive daring that becomes reckless rather than creative

ballsy

vsovervaliant

Offensive

18 8.2

Very brave and willing to take big risks

is excessive boldness that leans toward foolish recklessness

foolhardy

vsovervaliant

16 7.4

Taking dangerous risks without thinking about what will happen

shows excessive boldness that is often foolish and needless

temerarious

vsovervaliant

Archaic

9.9

Very bold in a way that ignores danger

is extreme boldness that is often foolish or reckless

How Brave

overvaliant

9.9

valiant

Formal

35 6.1

brave

906 1.0

cautious

210 2.9

cowardly

84 3.9

Surface Forms

overvaliant positive

Morphology

overvaliant = valiant (transparent) = over + valiant

The prefix 'over-' meaning 'excessively' combines with 'valiant' in a straightforward way, so learners who know 'over-' and 'valiant' can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Overvaliant comes from over- meaning 'too much' and valiant meaning 'brave', much like in overdo where over- makes something excessive. So overvaliant means being 'too brave' in a way that can be foolish or dangerous.