Over-

Origin

From Middle English over-, from Old English ofer- ("over-"), from Proto-Germanic *ubar- ("over-"). Cognate with Dutch over-, German über-, Danish over-, Swedish över-. More at over.

Full definition of over-

Prefix

1. above, or higher
2. superior
3. excessivelyoverkind, overloud
4. surrounding or coveringovercoat, overpack, overshoe

Usage notes

Comparison of relative combinations (two separate words, hyphenated or a single compound word) does not easily fit a pattern; terms become compound words as they are broadly accepted.

Derived terms

• overachieved
• overcautious
• overcoat
• overdo
• overdue
• overeducated
• overindulged
• overpack
• overprepared
• overstimulated
• overshoe
• overwork