To estimate something as being larger, greater, or more important than it actually is.
Formed from 'over-' (excessively) plus 'estimate' from Latin 'aestimare' meaning 'to value' or 'appraise.' The concept emphasizes misjudgment in the direction of excess.
We systematically overestimate dramatic, memorable events and underestimate gradual ones! This is why people fear plane crashes more than car accidents, despite statistics - our brains are wired to overestimate vivid, rare dangers.
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