Overflowing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overflowing

[ˌoʊvərˈfloʊɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

water

Overflowing means filled or flowing over the brim or edge of a container. It can also refer to being overwhelmed with a large quantity of something.

Synonyms

brimming, flooded, overwhelmed, spilling over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overflowing	Used to describe something that is so full that it spills out over the edges. Can be used both literally and figuratively. The river was overflowing after the heavy rains. His heart was overflowing with joy.
brimming	Typically used to describe something filled to the top or almost to the top, often with a positive connotation. She was brimming with excitement for her first day at work. The cup was brimming with hot coffee.
spilling over	Used to describe something that is flowing over the top or edge, can be used literally or figuratively. The water was spilling over the edges of the bathtub. Her excitement was spilling over and affecting everyone around her.
flooded	Describes a situation where a large amount of water has covered an area, often causing damage. Can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed by something. The basement was flooded after the storm. The inbox was flooded with emails.
overwhelmed	Indicates a state of being completely consumed or burdened by something, often carrying a negative connotation. She felt overwhelmed by the amount of work she had to do. He was overwhelmed with emotion at the news.

Examples of usage

The sink is overflowing with dirty dishes.
The river is overflowing its banks after heavy rain.
I am overflowing with gratitude for your help.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

emotions

Overflowing as a verb describes an abundance or excessive amount of something. It can also mean to be filled beyond capacity.

Synonyms

abounding, bursting, swelling, teeming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overflowing	Used to describe something filled to the point where it spills over, often implying a positive abundance or excess. The cup was overflowing with coffee Her heart was overflowing with joy
abounding	Commonly used to describe something existing in large quantities or numbers, without the implication of spilling or excess. His imagination is abounding with creative ideas The forest is abounding with wildlife
teeming	Often used to describe a place that is full of life or activity, usually in a positive sense. The market was teeming with shoppers The garden was teeming with insects and birds
bursting	Typically used to describe something so full that it is on the verge of breaking open, often to convey excitement or emotion. She was bursting with excitement at the news The bag was bursting at the seams with clothes
swelling	Used to describe something growing larger in size or volume, often gradually. Can also refer to emotions or tensions increasing. The river is swelling due to the heavy rain His pride was swelling after winning the award

Examples of usage

Her heart was overflowing with joy.
Tears were overflowing from her eyes.
The room was overflowing with laughter.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, overflowing can occur in closed systems when the pressure increases beyond a threshold, leading to spills.
Hydrology studies the overflowing of rivers and lakes, which can lead to floods in areas surrounding them.
Nature often showcases overflowing in ecosystems, like a rainstorm causing a riverbank to burst, demonstrating the power of water.

Art

In poetry, overflowing can be used metaphorically to describe emotions that are too intense to contain.
Visual artists often illustrate overflowing water to symbolize abundance or chaos in their creations.
In literature, characters can be described as 'overflowing' with joy or sadness, emphasizing deep emotional states.

Society

At events, overflowing crowds can both signal popularity and create challenges for safety and management.
In discussions about food, overflowing plates often represent abundance, leading to the concept of sharing and hospitality.
Environmental concerns also discuss overflowing waste, emphasizing the importance of managing resources responsibly.

Psychology

The term can describe people who express emotions freely, indicating a healthy way to cope with feelings.
Overflowing can also suggest feelings of being overwhelmed, where individuals struggle to manage stress or responsibilities.
Therapeutic settings may explore overflowing emotions, helping clients to understand and balance their feelings in a constructive manner.

Origin of 'overflowing'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'oflufian,' meaning to 'flow over,' highlighting the act of exceeding a limit.
Related terms include 'over' and 'flow,' which both describe the action of surpassing containment.
Languages like French use 'débordant,' which conveys a similar idea of overflowing, demonstrating a common concept across cultures.

The word 'overflowing' originated from the combination of 'over' and 'flow' in Middle English. The concept of overflowing has been depicted in various cultures and literary works, symbolizing abundance, excess, and overwhelming emotion. The word continues to be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to convey a sense of fullness and abundance.