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Inundation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inundation

[ˌɪnʌnˈdeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

natural disaster

An inundation is a situation in which a large area of land becomes covered with water, especially in a sudden and unexpected way. It can also refer to the overwhelming presence of something, such as emotions or information.

Synonyms

deluge, flood, overflow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inundation

Used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe an overwhelming abundance of things, such as water, information, or tasks.

  • The small town struggled to recover from the inundation after the dam broke.
  • After the major announcement, we experienced an inundation of customer inquiries.
flood

Commonly used to describe an overflow of water onto typically dry land. Also used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming amount of something.

  • The river overflowed its banks, causing a massive flood in the region.
  • We experienced a flood of emotions during the heartfelt reunion.
deluge

Often implies a severe and sudden overwhelming flood of water. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a large amount of something arriving at once.

  • The deluge caused by the relentless rain destroyed the crops.
  • She received a deluge of emails after the product launch.
overflow

Describes the spilling over of a liquid or the excess of something that exceeds capacity. It is usually more controlled compared to 'flood'.

  • She quickly turned off the tap to prevent the bathtub from overflowing.
  • The stadium could not accommodate the overflow of fans who wanted to attend the concert.

Examples of usage

  • The town suffered from a devastating inundation after heavy rainfall caused the river to overflow.
  • The inundation of messages in my inbox made it impossible to keep up with all the emails.
Context #2 | Noun

figurative use

Inundation can also be used in a figurative sense to describe an overwhelming amount of something, such as tasks or requests.

Synonyms

deluge, flood, overflow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inundation

Typically used in formal contexts to describe a situation where an area is covered with water, often due to natural disasters, such as heavy rains or dam failures.

  • The village experienced an inundation after the dam broke.
  • The fields were destroyed by the recent inundation.
flood

Commonly used in everyday language to describe an overflow of water that submerges land. Can also be used metaphorically to refer to an overwhelming influx of things or people.

  • The river's banks couldn't hold, resulting in a flood.
  • There was a flood of applications for the position.
deluge

Often used to describe a large amount of water or rain falling in a short period, leading to severe flooding. It can also be used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming quantity of something.

  • The city was hit by a deluge, causing severe damage.
  • She received a deluge of emails after the announcement.
overflow

Used to describe a situation where liquid spills over the edges of a container or area, less severe than 'flood.' Can also be used metaphorically to describe an excess of something.

  • The bathtub overflow left the bathroom floor soaked.
  • Her joy overflowed, evident to everyone around.

Examples of usage

  • I faced an inundation of work after returning from vacation.
  • The inundation of donation requests overwhelmed the charity organization.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • An inundation can occur naturally from heavy rainfall, melting snow, or storm surges during hurricanes.
  • When rivers overflow their banks, it can lead to significant ecological changes, affecting wildlife habitats.

History

  • The annual inundation of the Nile River in ancient Egypt deposited rich silt, crucial for agriculture in that region.
  • Historically, many civilizations have been built near floodplains to benefit from the fertile soil left after flooding.

Literature

  • In literature, inundation can be used metaphorically to describe overwhelming emotions or experiences.
  • Many poets have compared feelings of love or loss to an inundation, emphasizing how they can engulf a person.

Environmental Impact

  • Inundation can have both destructive and beneficial impacts on ecosystems, depending on the frequency and intensity.
  • Flooding can lead to the dispersal of nutrient-rich sediments, which can rejuvenate agricultural lands.

Origin of 'inundation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'inundare', meaning 'to flood' or 'to overflow'.
  • Inundation has been used in English since the late 14th century, connecting it closely to discussions about rivers and rain.

The word 'inundation' has its origins in the Latin word 'inundatio,' which means 'an overflowing.' It has been used in English since the late 16th century to refer to a flood or deluge, both in the literal sense of a sudden overflow of water and in the figurative sense of an overwhelming presence of something. The concept of inundation has been a common theme in literature and art, symbolizing both the destructive power of nature and the overwhelming nature of emotions or information. The word continues to be used today to describe situations of flooding as well as metaphorical inundations of various kinds.

See also: inundated.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,885, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.