B2 adjective Neutral

overall

/ˌoʊvərˈɔːl/

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 5
1

The overall vibe of the restaurant was cozy and relaxed.

The general atmosphere of the restaurant was comfortable and easygoing.

2

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.

3

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.

Word Family

Noun
overalls
Adverb
overall
Adjective
overall
Related
totality
💡

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

1

The overall vibe of the restaurant was cozy and relaxed.

everyday

The general atmosphere of the restaurant was comfortable and easygoing.

2

The overall aim of the research is to determine the efficacy of the new treatment.

formal

The primary goal of the study is to evaluate how well the new medicine works.

3

The overall look of the house is much better since you painted it.

informal

The complete appearance of the home has improved since it was repainted.

4

The study provides an overall assessment of global climate trends over the last decade.

academic

The research offers a comprehensive evaluation of worldwide weather patterns during the past ten years.

5

The CEO reviewed the overall budget to ensure every department was accounted for.

business

The chief executive examined the total financial plan to make sure all sections were included.

Word Family

Noun
overalls
Adverb
overall
Adjective
overall
Related
totality

Common Collocations

overall performance total execution or results achieved
overall impression general feeling or opinion about something
overall strategy comprehensive plan of action
overall cost total amount of money spent
overall impact general effect or influence

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

overall vs above all

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

Used as an attributive adjective before a noun. Commonly used as a sentence-starting adverb to summarize previous information. Does not have a comparative or superlative form (no 'more overall').
🌍

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 Words

cause

A1

To make something happen, especially something bad or unpleasant. It is used to describe the action that results in a specific effect or situation.

through

A1

Used 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

A2

Something 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

A1

A 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

B2

The 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

B2

A 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

B2

A 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

B2

To 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

B2

Describing 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

B2

A 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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