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Overact vs Overreact - What's the difference?

overact | overreact |

As verbs the difference between overact and overreact

is that overact is to act in an exaggerated manner while overreact is to react too much or too intensely.

overact

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (performing arts) To act in an exaggerated manner.
    • He overacted his part.
  • (obsolete) To act upon, or influence, unduly.
  • * Milton
    • The hope of inheritance overacts them.

    Derived terms

    * overactor

    Synonyms

    * chew the scenery * ham it up

    overreact

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To react too much or too intensely.
    • Please try not to overreact if she drives badly when she is first learning.

    Derived terms

    * overreaction