overwhelmingly
gb/ˌoʊvɚwˈɛlmɪŋli/ us/ˌoʊvɚwˈɛlmɪŋli/
B2
English
~ 9300
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
to a very great degree
Very, very much; in a way that is extremely strong or clear.
Usage pattern:
overwhelmingly [adjective/past participle]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "overwhelmingly" (adverb) with "overwhelming" (adjective). Use "overwhelmingly" before adjectives or verbs ("overwhelmingly happy", "overwhelmingly supported"), and "overwhelming" before nouns ("an overwhelming feeling", "overwhelming support").
Synonyms
extremely (A very common general intensifier; slightly less strong and dramatic than "overwhelmingly".)
|
hugely (Informal and emotional; often used like "overwhelmingly" but sounds more casual.)
|
immensely (Stresses large extent or size; similar strength but a bit more formal or literary.)
Antonyms
slightly (Indicates a small degree, the opposite of the very strong degree expressed by "overwhelmingly".)
|
moderately (Suggests a medium degree, contrasting with the extreme degree of "overwhelmingly".)
Collocations
overwhelmingly positive
|overwhelmingly successful
|overwhelmingly grateful
|overwhelmingly impressed
|overwhelmingly difficult
|overwhelmingly likely
Themes
emotions
|evaluation
|degree
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The reviews for the movie were overwhelmingly positive, so we decided to go.
- I felt overwhelmingly grateful for their help after the accident.
- The evidence is overwhelmingly in her favor.
- Starting a new life in another country can be overwhelmingly difficult at first.
- Students were overwhelmingly impressed by the guest speaker’s honesty.
Learner examples
- The class was overwhelmingly tired after the long test.
- I am overwhelmingly happy to see you again.
- The book was overwhelmingly difficult for new learners.
- People were overwhelmingly excited about the concert.
- The teacher was overwhelmingly pleased with the project.
adverb
C1
relation
2
by a very large majority
In a way where one side or type is almost all of the group, for example in a vote or in population numbers.
Usage pattern:
overwhelmingly [voted/approved/consists of]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "overwhelmingly" for any simple majority (just over 50%). It is usually used when the majority is very large and clear (for example, 70–80% or more), or when one type strongly dominates a group.
Synonyms
predominantly (Focuses on something being the main part or type; slightly less strong than "overwhelmingly".)
|
by a landslide (Informal phrase mainly for elections; more vivid and colloquial than "overwhelmingly".)
Antonyms
narrowly (Used for close majorities or results, the opposite of the large gap implied by "overwhelmingly".)
|
evenly (Suggests two sides are close to equal, contrasting with the one-sided nature of "overwhelmingly".)
Collocations
overwhelmingly supported
|overwhelmingly approved
|overwhelmingly opposed
|overwhelmingly voted for
|overwhelmingly passed
|overwhelmingly male/female
Themes
politics
|statistics
|society
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- The bill was overwhelmingly approved by parliament, with only a few members voting against it.
- Voters overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to raise tuition fees.
- The company’s leadership is still overwhelmingly male, despite diversity efforts.
- The town is overwhelmingly dependent on tourism for jobs.
- Survey respondents were overwhelmingly in favor of shorter working hours.
Learner examples
- The new rule was overwhelmingly accepted by the team.
- People in the city overwhelmingly voted for the young candidate.
- The class is overwhelmingly interested in online learning.
- The country is overwhelmingly urban, with most people living in cities.
- The plan was overwhelmingly supported at the meeting.
Grammar
Dictionary form
overwhelmingly
IPA
GB/ˌoʊvɚwˈɛlmɪŋli/
US/ˌoʊvɚwˈɛlmɪŋli/
Syllables & stress
over - whelm - ingly (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (whelm)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: overwhelmingly
- Plural: overwhelminglies
Word family
Forms
overwhelminglies
noun
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
underwhelm
verb
underwhelming
adjective
underwhelmed
adjective
Expressions
overwhelmingly in favor of
1/ˌoʊvɚwˈɛlmɪŋli ˈɪn fˈeɪvɚ əv/
fixed phrase
supporting something by a big majority
When almost everyone in a group supports or agrees with something.
Examples
- Members were overwhelmingly in favor of the new contract.
- The committee was overwhelmingly in favor of closing the road to traffic.
overwhelmingly likely
1/ˌoʊvɚwˈɛlmɪŋli lˈaɪkli/
fixed phrase
extremely probable or expected
Very, very probable; almost sure to happen.
Examples
- It is overwhelmingly likely that the team will reach the final.
- Given the evidence, it seems overwhelmingly likely that he will be found guilty.
overwhelmingly negative
1/ˌoʊvɚwˈɛlmɪŋli nˈɛɡɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
extremely bad or unfavorable
Very, very bad or unfavorable, with almost no good parts or opinions.
Examples
- Public reaction to the new law has been overwhelmingly negative.
- The movie received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics.
overwhelmingly positive
1/ˌoʊvɚwˈɛlmɪŋli pˈɑzɪtɪv/
fixed phrase
extremely good or favorable
Very, very good or favorable, with almost no bad parts or opinions.
Examples
- The feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
- Reviews of the restaurant were overwhelmingly positive, so we booked a table.