Overwhelming

Definition

Overwhelming generally refers to something that is so great in amount, effect, or intensity that it's difficult to resist or comprehend.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmɪŋ/
• Respelling: oh-ver-WHEL-ming (with "oh" as in "go," "ver" as in "very," "WHEL" as in "well," and "ming" as in "mingling")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ/
• Respelling: oh-ver-WHEL-ming (with "oh" as in "go," "ver" as in "very," "WHEL" as in "well," and "ming" as in "mingling")

In both dialects, "overwhelming" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "WHEL." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "oh-ver-WHEL-ming."

Etymology

"Overwhelming" is formed from the verb "overwhelm" with the addition of the suffix "-ing", meaning "characterized by" or "tending to". As earlier discussed in "overwhelm", the origin comes from Middle English.

Derivatives

• Overwhelmingly
• Overwhelm
• Overwhelmed
• Overwhelmingness
• Overwhelmer

Synonyms

• Staggering
• Profound
• Immense

Antonyms

• Trivial
• Insignificant
• Negligible

Usage

• Typically used to describe situations, amounts, or intensities that are so great they are hard to fully grasp or resist.

Related Terms

• Intense
• Powerful
• Dominating
• Overpowering
• Enveloping

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Very intense or great in amount.
• Example: "The overwhelming majority voted in favor of the proposal."

• Difficult to resist or deal with because of its size or intensity.
• Example: "The evidence against the suspect was overwhelming."

• Giving a strong emotional effect, typically a positive one.
• Example: "His generosity was overwhelming."