Definition

Adjective: Excessively fond; having or showing an exaggerated or unreasonable affection or liking for someone or something.

Usage

The adjective "overfond" describes a degree of fondness that is considered too great, often to the point of being unwise, indulgent, or detrimental. It is typically used to modify a person or their behavior and is often followed by the preposition "of."

Examples

• Parents can sometimes be overfond of praising their children for every small thing.
• He was overfond of rich desserts, which was not good for his health.
• The critic argued that the director was overfond of using slow-motion shots in the film.

Advanced Usage

• "Overfond of": This is the standard collocation. It is used to specify the object of the excessive fondness.
  • She is overfond of giving unsolicited advice.
• The term can imply a lack of critical judgment or an inability to see faults due to excessive affection.
  • He is overfond of his own ideas and rarely listens to feedback.

Variants and Related Words

• Fond (adj): Having an affection or liking for. (e.g., )
• Overindulgent (adj): Excessively lenient or generous. (While similar, "overindulgent" focuses more on allowing excessive behavior, whereas "overfond" focuses on the feeling of affection itself.)

Synonyms

• Excessively affectionate
• Doting (often implies foolish or excessive fondness, especially from an older person)
• Indulgent (focuses more on allowing desires)

Antonyms

• Indifferent
• Averse
• Disdainful

Adjective

1. excessively fond