overwhelming — very great in amount; having a strong emotional effect
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: very great in amount; having a strong emotional effect
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The smell of my roommate's socks was so overwhelming that even the flies moved out.
- She received an overwhelming number of marriage proposals after winning the lottery.
- The students found the final exam overwhelming despite months of preparation.
overwhelming
ADJECTIVE[/ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/]
very great in amount; having a strong emotional effect
The overwhelming crowd surged toward the stadium gates after the final goal.
The overwhelming wave crashed over the tiny ship. (OVER(above) + WHELM(engulf))
He gripped the helm, but the overwhelming waves took control.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the Old English word 'whelm' meaning to turn over or submerge, combined with the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively or completely. The word evolved through Middle English to mean submerging or drowning, later extending to the sense of being overcome by emotion or quantity.
Breakdown
over- (excessively, completely) + whelm (to submerge, turn over) + -ing (present participle) = overwhelming
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The smell of my roommate's socks was so overwhelming that even the flies moved out.”
“She received an overwhelming number of marriage proposals after winning the lottery.”
“The students found the final exam overwhelming despite months of preparation.”
“The overwhelming beauty of the sunset left everyone speechless.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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