overall
gb/ˈoʊvɚˌɔl/ us/ˈoʊvɚˌɔl/
A2
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Taking everything into account
Thinking about all parts or things together.
Usage pattern:
overall [opinion/assessment/result]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'overall' with 'overalls' (clothing), but they are unrelated in meaning.
Synonyms
general (Similar in meaning but can also mean 'not specific' rather than summing all factors.)
Antonyms
specific (Focuses on one part or detail rather than the whole.)
Collocations
overall performance
|overall impression
|overall effect
|overall result
|overall quality
Themes
general
|communication
|evaluation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Overall, the project was a success despite some issues.
- The overall cost of the trip was higher than expected.
- She gave an overall assessment of the student's progress.
- The overall mood in the room was cheerful.
- We need to look at the overall picture before making a decision.
Learner examples
- Overall, the movie was good.
- The overall price is too high.
- I am happy with my overall score.
- Overall, the day was nice.
adverb
A2
relation
2
In general, all things considered
Used to give a general idea after thinking about all parts.
Usage pattern:
Overall, [clause]
Synonyms
generally (Close in meaning but 'generally' can also describe something that happens most of the time.)
Antonyms
specifically (Focuses on one detail instead of the whole.)
Collocations
Overall, it seems...
|Overall, I think...
|Overall speaking
Themes
general
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Overall, I’m pleased with the new design.
- The team played well overall, though there were mistakes.
- Overall, sales have increased this year.
- It was a tough year overall, but we survived.
Learner examples
- Overall, I am happy.
- We did well overall.
- Overall, it is a good plan.
Noun
A2
entity
3
One-piece work garment
Clothes that cover your body and legs to keep your clothes clean when you work.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'overalls' (protective clothing) with 'overall' (meaning considering everything). Context clarifies the difference.
Synonyms
coveralls (Used especially in American English for full-body protective work clothing.)
Collocations
wear overalls
|denim overalls
|protective overalls
Themes
clothing
|work
|daily_life
Examples
- The mechanic wore blue overalls to keep his clothes clean.
- Painters often wear white overalls while working.
- She put on overalls before gardening.
Learner examples
- The man wears overalls in the shop.
- I have blue overalls for painting.
- She wears overalls when she works.
Grammar
Dictionary form
overall
IPA
GB/ˈoʊvɚˌɔl/
US/ˈoʊvɚˌɔl/
Syllables & stress
over - all (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (over)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: overall
Expressions
overall effect
1/ˈoʊvɚˌɔl ɪfˈɛkt/
fixed phrase
Total impact of all parts together
The total change or feeling made by all parts together.
Examples
- The lighting has a big impact on the room's overall effect.
- His calm voice added to the overall effect of reassurance.
overall performance
1/ˈoʊvɚˌɔl pɚfˈɔɹməns/
fixed phrase
Total quality of work over time
How good something or someone is when you look at all their work or actions together.
Examples
- Her overall performance this year was excellent.
- We need to improve our overall performance to win.
overall picture
1/ˈoʊvɚˌɔl pˈɪkt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Complete view of a situation
The whole or complete understanding of something.
Examples
- Before deciding, you should understand the overall picture.
- The report gives the overall picture of the company's health.
overall result
1/ˈoʊvɚˌɔl ɹɪzˈʌlt/
fixed phrase
Final outcome after everything considered
The final thing that happens after looking at everything together.
Examples
- The overall result was better than expected.
- Despite problems, the overall result was positive.