Overall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overall

[หˆoสŠvษ™rหŒษ”หl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

evaluation

Taking all factors into account; considering everything.

Synonyms

complete, general, total.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overall

Can be used to describe the entirety of something in a broad sense, often when summarizing or providing an overview.

  • Overall, the project was a success.
  • The overall performance of the team has improved.
general

Appropriate when speaking about something widespread, common, or not specific. Often used when making broad statements or categories.

  • In general, cats are independent animals.
  • The general consensus is that more research is needed.
total

Used to emphasize entirety or the sum of parts, typically in a numerical or quantifiable sense. Often implies completeness in quantity.

  • The total cost of the project was $1 million.
  • His total score was higher than anyone else's.
complete

Best used to indicate that something is finished or fully done, often with a sense of having everything necessary or required.

  • She completed the report on time.
  • The puzzle is now complete.

Examples of usage

  • The overall performance of the team was outstanding.
  • The overall cost of the project exceeded the budget.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

A loose-fitting outer garment, such as a coat.

Synonyms

coverall, jumpsuit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overall

used to describe a type of clothing that covers the torso and legs, usually used in manual work or as casual wear; can also refer to children's clothing

  • He wore overalls while working in the garden.
  • The toddler looked adorable in her denim overalls.
coverall

used to describe a piece of protective clothing that covers the entire body, commonly used in industrial or manual labor settings

  • The workers were required to wear coveralls for safety reasons.
  • She put on her coverall before starting the paint job.
jumpsuit

used to describe a one-piece garment typically worn as a fashion item or for specific activities like skydiving

  • She wore a stylish jumpsuit to the party.
  • The skydiver adjusted his jumpsuit before the jump.

Examples of usage

  • She wore an elegant black overall.
  • The mechanic put on his overalls before starting work on the car.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • In American English, 'overall' also refers to a type of work garment, popular among farmers and laborers.
  • In sports commentary, 'overall' is often used to summarize a team's performance through the season or a playerโ€™s career.
  • The term is used broadly in various fields, including education, business, and health, to encapsulate general assessments.

Psychology

  • Psychologists often emphasize the importance of 'overall' assessments in mental health, focusing on general well-being rather than specific issues.
  • Cognitive biases can affect how we perceive overall situations, leading to skewed assessments based on particular experiences.
  • The concept of 'overall' can help in setting goals, encouraging individuals to consider their life as a whole rather than isolated parts.

Science

  • In environmental science, 'overall' statistics help summarize climate data, showing trends that are not visible when looking at single years.
  • In statistics, an overall result can refer to an average calculated from multiple datasets to give a broader picture.
  • In health sciences, researchers use 'overall' survival rates to convey the effectiveness of treatments across diverse patient groups.

Literature

  • Authors may use 'overall' themes to convey a message that extends beyond individual actions, helping readers grasp larger ideas.
  • Critical reviews of literature often assess the 'overall' effectiveness of a plot rather than just focusing on specific characters or events.
  • In poetry, the term can be used to create a sense of unity, helping readers understand how each part ties in with the central theme.

Origin of 'overall'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to the late 14th century, originally meaning 'in total' or 'in general.'
  • It comes from the combination of 'over' meaning above and 'all' meaning everything.
  • The use of the term expanded in the 16th century to include clothing, like the overall garment.

The word 'overall' originated from the Middle English word 'over al' which meant 'over all'. It has been used since the 14th century to refer to considering everything or encompassing all aspects. The noun form referring to a garment worn over other clothing dates back to the late 18th century.


See also: alloy, ally.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,705, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.