Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Including everything; total: Considering or covering all parts, elements, or aspects of something.
   • General; taking a broad view: Concerned with the main features or the total effect, rather than specific details.

2. Noun:

   • A loose-fitting protective garment: A one-piece garment, such as a coverall or smock, worn over regular clothes to protect them during dirty work.
   • (usually plural) Work trousers with a bib: Denim trousers with a bib and shoulder straps, typically worn as durable work clothing.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The overall cost of the project was higher than expected.
  • Despite some minor issues, the overall impression was very positive.
  • We need to look at the overall picture before making a decision.

• Noun:

  • The mechanic wore greasy overalls.
  • She put on a pair of denim overalls before starting to paint the fence.

Advanced Usage

• "Overall" as an adverb: In general; when everything is considered. This usage is common in spoken and written summaries.
  • Overall, it was a successful event.
  • The team performed well overall, despite losing the final match.

Variants and Related Words

• Overarching (adj): Comprehensive or all-embracing. Often used for principles or themes.
  • The overarching goal is to improve public health.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Total, general, comprehensive, all-inclusive, global, broad.
• Noun: Coverall, dungarees (often used for the plural noun sense), boiler suit, smock.

Related Phrases

• On the whole: This phrase is similar in meaning to the adverbial use of "overall."
  • On the whole, the feedback has been good.
• In total: Emphasizes the sum of all parts, similar to "overall" as an adjective.
  • The journey took ten hours in total.

Idioms

• The overall scheme of things: Considering the entire situation or context.
  • In the overall scheme of things, this small delay is not important.

Adjective

1. including everything
   • the overall cost
2. involving only main features
   • the overall pattern of his life

Noun

1. a loose protective coverall or smock worn over ordinary clothing for dirty work
2. (usually plural) work clothing consisting of denim trousers (usually with a bib and shoulder straps)