overweening Definition
- 1excessively arrogant or presumptuous
- 2immoderate; excessive
Using overweening: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "overweening" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
His overweening pride led to his downfall.
Example
The company's overweening ambition caused it to take on too much debt.
Example
She had an overweening desire for power.
overweening Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for overweening
Antonyms for overweening
Phrases with overweening
an excessively high opinion of oneself
Example
His overweening opinion of himself made him difficult to work with.
excessive or unbridled ambition
Example
Her overweening ambition led her to take on more than she could handle.
excessive or unwarranted pride in oneself or one's accomplishments
Example
His overweening pride prevented him from admitting his mistakes.
Origins of overweening
from Middle English 'overwenen', meaning 'to be too sure of'
Summary: overweening in Brief
The term 'overweening' [oh-ver-wee-ning] refers to excessive arrogance or presumption, as well as immoderation or excess. It is often used to describe people who have an excessively high opinion of themselves or their abilities, as in 'His overweening pride led to his downfall.' 'Overweening' can also be used to describe excessive ambition, as in 'The company's overweening ambition caused it to take on too much debt.'
