What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hyper
Example
The kids were hyper after eating all that candy. [hyper: adjective]
Example
She felt hyper and couldn't sleep because of the caffeine. [hyper: adjective]
overactive
Example
He has an overactive imagination and comes up with wild stories. [overactive: adjective]
Example
Her thyroid gland was overactive, causing her to feel jittery and anxious. [overactive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overactive is more commonly used in medical or technical contexts, while hyper is more commonly used in everyday language to describe a person's behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hyper and overactive?
Overactive is more formal than hyper, and is typically used in medical or technical contexts to describe a specific condition or symptom.
