to place excessive importance or significance on something
example
In his speech, he tended to overemphasize the importance of technology in education, neglecting other vital aspects of learning.
synonyms
stressexaggeratehighlight
word origin — The word 'overemphasize' is formed from the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively, and 'emphasize', which comes from the Greek word 'emphasis', meaning 'appearance' or 'significance'.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 30
Set 30 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: overemphasize, outwit, quash, squander, abscond. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
overemphasize · verb/ˌoʊ.vɚˈɛm.fə.saɪz/
to place excessive importance or significance on something
In his speech, he tended to overemphasize the importance of technology in education, neglecting other vital aspects of learning.
Synonyms: stress, exaggerate, highlight
Origin: The word 'overemphasize' is formed from the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively, and 'emphasize', which comes from the Greek word 'emphasis', meaning 'appearance' or 'significance'.
outwit · verb/aʊtˈwɪt/
to gain an advantage over someone by using one's intellect or cunning
She was able to outwit her opponents during the chess tournament by anticipating their moves ahead of time.
Synonyms: outsmart, outfox, outmaneuver
Origin: The word 'outwit' is derived from the prefix 'out-' meaning 'beyond' or 'in excess of,' combined with 'wit,' which comes from the Old English 'witan,' meaning 'to know.'
quash · verb/kwɑʃ/
to suppress or put an end to something
The government took immediate action to quash the protests before they escalated into violence.
Synonyms: suppress, annul, nullify
Origin: Middle English from Old French 'quasser' (to shake or break), from Latin 'quassare' (to shake or shatter).
squander · verb/ˈskwɑːndər/
to waste something (especially money or time) in a reckless manner
He decided to squander his inheritance on extravagant parties and luxury items.
Synonyms: waste, fritter away, misuse
Origin: The word 'squander' comes from the late Middle English 'squandren', which is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Middle French 'esquander' meaning to waste.
abscond · verb/æbˈskɑnd/
to leave hurriedly and secretly typically to avoid detection or arrest
After embezzling funds from the company, he decided to abscond with a large sum of money.
Synonyms: escape, flee, vanish
Origin: late Middle English, from Latin 'abscondere' meaning 'to hide away'