Langimage
English

overblown

|o-ver-blown|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌoʊvərˈbloʊn/

🇬🇧

/ˌəʊvəˈbləʊn/

(overblow)

excessively inflated

Base FormPastPast Participle
overblowoverblewoverblown
Etymology
Etymology Information

'overblown' originates from the Old English word 'blāwan,' meaning 'to blow.'

Historical Evolution

'blāwan' transformed into the Middle English word 'blowen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'overblown.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to blow excessively,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'excessively inflated' and 'past its prime.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

excessively inflated or exaggerated.

The media coverage of the event was overblown.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

having passed its prime; faded or withered.

The overblown flowers were no longer vibrant.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41