In English, we often use prefixes like "over-", "hyper-", or "super-" to indicate that there is too much of something. In Icelandic, you can express an overly high amount or an extreme degree by attaching the prefix of- to the beginning of a noun.
Market Saturation and Abundance
The of- prefix is highly productive when discussing economics, luxury, and market saturation. For instance, attaching it to framboð (supply) gives us offramboð (oversupply), while adding it to mat (estimation) creates ofmat (overestimation).
Health and Overindulgence
You will also see of- frequently used in medical contexts or when talking about habits of overindulgence. Base words like át (eating), drykkja (drinking), and neysla (consumption) become ofát (overeating), ofdrykkja (overdrinking), and ofneysla (overconsumption).
Naturally, these excesses lead to negative outcomes, which also take the prefix, such as ofþreyta (extreme fatigue).
Behavior and Hubris
Finally, the prefix applies just as easily to abstract concepts and human behavior. Metnaður means ambition, but when you add of-, it turns into an excessive, dangerous level of pride.