To think about something too much or in too much detail, often worrying about what might happen.
From the prefix 'over-' (meaning excessively) plus 'think.' This is a modern coinage that became prominent in the late 20th century as psychology and self-help culture grew.
Overthinking is a relatively new word (popular since the 1960s-70s) that became essential to modern psychology—it represents an entirely new way we had to describe anxiety that humans probably always had but couldn't name until our culture slowed down enough to worry about it.
Gendered feminine in clinical and casual discourse; women's analytical caution pathologized as neurotic rumination. Male deliberation coded as 'careful reasoning' or 'due diligence.'
Use descriptively without gendering. 'That problem required careful analysis' works for all; avoid 'she overthinks' as personality flaw.
["ruminate","analyze","deliberate","cycle through"]
Women logicians, mathematicians, and philosophers have historically had rigorous thinking dismissed as emotional overanalysis.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.