overzealous etymology

Etymology:

"Overzealous" is a compound word derived from two Latin roots:

  • "over-" (meaning "excessively" or "beyond")
  • "zelus" (meaning "zeal" or "fervor")

Meaning:

Overzealous refers to someone who is excessively enthusiastic or zealous, often to the point of being annoying or ineffective. It implies a lack of moderation and a tendency to go too far in one's actions or beliefs.

Origin:

The word "overzealous" first appeared in English in the 17th century. It was originally used to describe people who were considered too enthusiastic in their religious beliefs or practices. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to encompass other areas of life, including politics, sports, and business.

Usage:

Overzealous is often used in a negative sense to describe someone who is overly enthusiastic or passionate. For example:

  • "The overzealous supporter interrupted the candidate's speech with repeated cheers."
  • "The project manager was overzealous in his expectations, leading to unrealistic deadlines."
  • "The overzealous teacher assigned an excessive amount of homework, overwhelming the students."

Synonyms:

  • Fanatical
  • Zealous
  • Enthusiastic
  • fervent
  • Extreme

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