B2adverblanguageemotions
US/ˈoʊ.vər.li/
UK/ˈəʊ.və.li/
too much; more than is necessary or good
In context
The instructions were overly complicated, so nobody read them.
She is not overly worried about the exam.
Try not to be overly critical of your own work.
Words that go with overly
adverb + adjective
- overly cautiousThe manager was overly cautious about spending.
- overly optimisticThe forecast may be overly optimistic.
- overly complicatedThe form is overly complicated.
- overly sensitiveHe is overly sensitive to criticism.
- overly ambitiousThe plan seems overly ambitious.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
overly muchCorrect: too much