Overmature describes something that has aged beyond its optimal state, often characterized by a decline in quality, vitality, or desired characteristics. This applies to various contexts, from agricultural products and wines to people and ideas. It signifies a point where peak condition has passed, leading to a loss of flavor, texture, or effectiveness. It highlights the impact of excessive aging or development, resulting in a less desirable or even undesirable outcome. The term underscores the importance of timely intervention or utilization before the point of overripening, exceeding an ideal stage of readiness or development. It can also denote a premature development state, such as thinking or behavior.
Overmature meaning with examples
- The tomatoes in the garden were left on the vine too long, becoming overmature and mushy. They were no longer suitable for salads and would have only been good for sauce. The skin was wrinkled, and the flavor was bland compared to when they were picked in their prime, a sign of aging past their perfect ripeness.
- The oak tree produced overmature acorns this year. Their shells were hard, almost to rock, and when they hit the ground, they would burst. The squirrels wouldn't touch them. The nutrients would not have been available for proper growth in the squirrels.
- The winery determined that the grapes were left in the vineyard a little too long and were at risk of becoming overmature before the harvest. The sugar content had spiked, risking a vine infection. They had to act quickly to ensure the viability of the crop.
- The professor criticized the student's essay, pointing out that the ideas felt overmature; the research had been conducted ages ago. There was no new information. They did not match the current conversations, and the sources were old and outdated.
- The actor's performance in the play was overmature; he overacted every line. The play had been changed over and over again and it would have been better had he left it alone. His acting appeared unnatural and forced, lacking the freshness and nuance needed to captivate the audience.