Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Excessively eager: Showing too much enthusiasm, desire, or impatience, often to the point of being unwise, inappropriate, or off-putting.

Usage

The adjective "overeager" is used to describe a person, their behavior, or their attitude when their enthusiasm or desire is considered too intense or premature. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of restraint, judgment, or proper timing. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "be," "seem," or "become."

Examples

• The overeager salesman frightened away potential customers with his aggressive pitch.
• She was overeager to please her new boss, which sometimes made her colleagues uncomfortable.
• His overeager acceptance of the deal made the other party suspect there was a hidden problem.

Advanced Usage

• "to be overeager for/in": To show excessive desire or impatience for something specific.
  • The intern was overeager for approval and often interrupted meetings.
• "to seem/become overeager": To give the impression of or transition into a state of excessive eagerness.
  • Try not to seem overeager during the salary negotiation.

Variants and Related Words

• Overeagerness (noun): The state or quality of being overeager.
  • His overeagerness was mistaken for desperation.
• Eager (adjective): Having or showing keen interest or intense desire. (This is the base word without the excessive quality implied by "over-".)
  • She was eager to start her new job.

Synonyms

• Overzealous: Too zealous or enthusiastic.
• Overenthusiastic: Excessively enthusiastic.
• Keen to a fault: Very eager, but in a way that is disadvantageous.

Antonyms

• Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
• Indifferent: Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
• Reluctant: Unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.

Adjective

1. excessively eager
   • overeager in his pursuit of the girl