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Definition of overrepresent

overrepresent

/ˌoʊvɚˌɹɛprɪˈzɛnt/
o · ver · rep · re · sent

Adjective:overrepresented
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Past Simple:overrepresented
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Past Participle:overrepresented
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Present Participle:overrepresenting
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overrepresent Lexical Profile

overrepresent Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To represent a specific group, category, or characteristic in numbers or proportions that are higher than their actual statistical presence in a broader population.

Example

"The survey methodology was flawed because it tended to overrepresent urban voters while failing to capture rural perspectives."


2

To exaggerate the importance, prevalence, or significance of something in a depiction, narrative, or description.

Example

"Critics argued that the documentary chose to overrepresent the dangers of the new technology to create a more sensational storyline."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for overrepresent

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English by combining the prefix 'over-' (indicating excess) with the verb 'represent'. It became increasingly common in the 20th century to describe statistical, demographic, and political disproportions.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overrepresent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overrepresent
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