Glut Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glut

[ɡlʌt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

excess

An excessively abundant supply of something.

Synonyms

excess, overabundance, surplus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glut

Typically used to describe a situation where there is so much of something that it's more than needed or wanted. Often has a negative connotation, suggesting that the excess is wasteful or problematic.

  • There is a glut of smartphones in the market this year
  • The glut of food caused the prices to drop significantly
surplus

Typically used in economic or production-related contexts to refer to an amount that exceeds what is needed or used. Generally a neutral term that highlights an excess in a measurable quantity.

  • The farmer had a surplus of crops this year
  • The government decided to sell the surplus equipment
excess

Used broadly to refer to any amount beyond what is usual, proper, or necessary. Often used in both neutral and negative contexts, depending on the situation.

  • Eating to excess can harm your health
  • The excess fabric can be used for other projects
overabundance

Stresses the idea of having too much of something in a way that usually implies abundance but no immediate harm. It often carries a slightly formal tone.

  • There is an overabundance of caution in their approach
  • The overabundance of flowers made the garden seem almost surreal

Examples of usage

  • The market is flooded with a glut of cheap products.
  • There is a glut of information available on the internet.
Context #2 | Verb

satiate

To fill or supply beyond capacity, to satiate.

Synonyms

overfill, sate, satiate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glut

When there is an excessive amount of something, often leading to negative consequences, use this word. It describes a situation where supply exceeds demand significantly.

  • There is a glut of information online that makes it hard to know what is true
sate

This is used to describe completely satisfying a desire or appetite, often related to eating or indulgence in something.

  • The sumptuous feast sated their hunger after a long day of travel
satiate

Similar to 'sate', but often used more formally. It means to satisfy fully, especially an appetite or a desire.

  • The gourmet meal satiated their taste for fine dining
overfill

This is used when something is filled beyond its capacity, often unintentionally. It suggests a lack of control or an error in judgement.

  • She overfilled the coffee cup, and it spilled all over the table

Examples of usage

  • The buffet table was glutted with delicious food.
  • She glutted herself on chocolate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In economics, a 'glut' refers to a situation where supply outpaces demand, often leading to price drops.
  • The term is frequently used in the context of commodities, such as an oil glut when production exceeds consumption.
  • Market gluts can result in economic adjustments, where producers may cut back on production to stabilize prices.

Environmental Science

  • A glut of nutrients in water bodies can lead to algal blooms, which may deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.
  • The phenomenon of overpopulation in species can create a glut that leads to resource depletion and ecosystem imbalance.
  • In agriculture, overproduction can lead to food waste, illustrating a societal glut in certain markets.

Psychology

  • The human tendency to overconsume can be tied to emotional factors, often causing a 'glut' of emotions like guilt after binge eating.
  • The glut can also refer to information overload, where people struggle to process too much information at once.
  • Studies show that when faced with too many choices, individuals may feel overwhelmed, leading to decision paralysis – a form of conceptual glut.

Literature

  • In literature, a glut of characters or subplots can lead to confusion, impacting the storyline and reader engagement.
  • Authors often discuss the act of providing a glut of detail, which can enrich but also risk overwhelming the narrative.
  • Diverse representations of personal gluts appear in classic literature, highlighting struggles with excess in various forms.

Origin of 'glut'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'glut' comes from the Old English word 'glutian,' meaning to swallow or devour greedily.
  • In the 15th century, it was used to describe overindulgence, especially in eating.
  • In modern usage, 'glut' not only applies to food but also to excess in various contexts like markets.

The word 'glut' originated from the Middle English word 'glotten', meaning to swallow greedily. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to an excess or surplus of something. The word has been used in English literature since the 14th century.


See also: glutton, gluttony.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,796, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.