How to pronounce overplay
Say it like oh-ver-PLAY. Overplay has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (PLAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce overplay. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- oh
- ver
- PLAY
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Overplay pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- PLAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of overplay
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: oh-vuh-PLAY.
What does overplay mean?
- To overdo or overact one's effect or role.“When Chris overacted his part again, the director warned that anyone overplaying would be barred from the next production.”
- To play (a song or record) too frequently, often to the point of causing weariness and annoyance.
- To overestimate one's strength in a game or event, which ultimately may end in a defeat.“Jack won the last match of blackjack; Theo overplayed.”
Where does overplay come from?
From over- + play.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with overplay
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of overplay.
Questions about saying overplay
How do you pronounce overplay?
Say oh-ver-PLAY. The American pronunciation is /ˌoʊvɚˈpleɪ/. In British English it is /ˌəʊvəˈpleɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in overplay?
Overplay has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (PLAY). Broken into parts: oh · ver · PLAY.
Is overplay pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌəʊvəˈpleɪ/ (oh-vuh-PLAY).