overall
Describing the total or general nature of something when all parts or factors are considered together. It refers to the whole of a situation rather than specific details or individual components.
Examples
3 of 5The overall vibe of the restaurant was cozy and relaxed.
The general atmosphere of the restaurant was comfortable and easygoing.
The overall aim of the research is to determine the efficacy of the new treatment.
The primary goal of the study is to evaluate how well the new medicine works.
The overall look of the house is much better since you painted it.
The complete appearance of the home has improved since it was repainted.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a large umbrella that goes 'over' 'all' the people standing underneath it; it covers everyone at once.
Quick Quiz
Although some details were missing, the ________ message of the presentation was clear and persuasive.
Correct!
The correct answer is: overall
Examples
The overall vibe of the restaurant was cozy and relaxed.
everydayThe general atmosphere of the restaurant was comfortable and easygoing.
The overall aim of the research is to determine the efficacy of the new treatment.
formalThe primary goal of the study is to evaluate how well the new medicine works.
The overall look of the house is much better since you painted it.
informalThe complete appearance of the home has improved since it was repainted.
The study provides an overall assessment of global climate trends over the last decade.
academicThe research offers a comprehensive evaluation of worldwide weather patterns during the past ten years.
The CEO reviewed the overall budget to ensure every department was accounted for.
businessThe chief executive examined the total financial plan to make sure all sections were included.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
overall health
the general physical and mental state of a person
the overall picture
the entire situation including all factors
overall responsibility
having the final authority for everything
Often Confused With
Above all means 'most importantly,' whereas overall means 'considering everything as a whole.'
Usage Notes
As an adjective, it almost always precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., overall score). It can also function as an adverb, usually placed at the beginning of a sentence to summarize a point.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'overall' when they should use 'mostly.' Remember that overall implies a sum of parts, while mostly implies a majority of a single thing.
Memory Tip
Think of a large umbrella that goes 'over' 'all' the people standing underneath it; it covers everyone at once.
Word Origin
Originates from the Middle English combination of 'over' (above) and 'all' (entirety), originally used to describe a garment worn over other clothes.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In British English, the plural noun 'overalls' specifically refers to protective clothing worn over normal clothes, whereas in American English, these are often called 'coveralls' or 'dungarees'.
Quick Quiz
Although some details were missing, the ________ message of the presentation was clear and persuasive.
Correct!
The correct answer is: overall
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
cause
A1To make something happen, especially something bad or unpleasant. It is used to describe the action that results in a specific effect or situation.
through
A1Used to describe moving from one side of an opening, area, or object to the other side. It can also refer to the period of time from the beginning to the end of an event.
effective
A2Something is effective when it successfully produces the intended or desired result. It describes a person, method, or thing that works well and achieves its goal.
epic
A1A long book, poem, or movie that tells a story about heroes and great events. It usually covers a long period of time and many adventures.
robotics
B2The branch of technology and engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It is a multidisciplinary field combining computer science, electronics, and mechanical engineering to create autonomous or semi-autonomous machines.
dean
B2A dean is a high-ranking official at a university or college who oversees a specific department, faculty, or administrative area. They are responsible for academic leadership, managing faculty members, and ensuring the general welfare of students within their division.
decade
B2A period of ten years, typically used to measure time or categorize a specific historical era. It is a common unit of time used to track social, economic, or personal changes over a significant duration.
enable
B2To provide someone with the means, authority, or opportunity to do something. It also means to make a process or a system possible or operational.
mature
B2Describing someone who behaves in a sensible, responsible way like an adult, or something that has reached a state of full development. It is often used to describe people, plants, or economic markets that are no longer growing rapidly but are stable.
scheme
B2A systematic plan or arrangement for attaining a particular object or putting an idea into effect. It can also refer to a secretive or devious plot to achieve a goal, often used to describe government programs or organizational systems.
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