Meaning of overprecise | Babel Free

Definitions

Excessively precise; more accurate than is needed.

Examples

“For the consideration of ease, the unreasonablest of all others, and most unbecoming the nature of a man, declares it selfe at full the weakenes of the condition, having a longer traine of discomodites then any of the rest⟳ ; and deerely shall yow pay⟳ for yowr ease, when yow shall obtayne it by the industry of a wyfe; for I never found in all my observations, since I could deserne of any thing, but when soever the woman did governe, or semed to doe soe, the man grew straight into contempt; and although I know⟳ it is a very godly thing, to hold⟳ ones selfe constant and loving to a wyfe, indeede, yett withall have⟳ I often perceaved, to hold⟳ it overprecise in outward shew gives somme danger of an attribute of uxoriousnesse; nether did I ever know⟳ any man that was long constant to a mistresse, but lost of his reputation of a gallant and worthy man.”

“Lady Lyttelton is again the chief authority for this expression in its Glynnese use⟳ : and her application of it is a constant source of sonorous laughter on the part of the reverend person so often alluded to in this work⟳. The Author conceives it is nothing but an arbitrary substitution of the word 'martyr' for 'slave' in colloquial English: and signifies that overprecise and punctilious attention to anything which is so often called 'being a slave to it'.”

“His dark gray eyes beamed with benevolence ; and he used to say⟳ himself, “Any one can see⟳ by the look⟳ of me that I am a good-natured sort⟳ of fellow.”’ The impression given by his countenance and bearing was that of an earnest, dignified man, perhaps a little overprecise. Though fond of a joke, he never indulged in immoderate laughter.”

CEFR level