overflowing
/,ouvə'flouiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Filled beyond capacity; so full that contents spill over: Describes a container, space, or thing that is so full that its contents are spilling out or about to spill out. 2. Abundantly filled; brimming with: Describes a state of being filled to the point of excess, often with an emotion, quality, or quantity.
Usage and Examples
- The overflowing bathtub caused water to leak onto the bathroom floor.
- Her heart was overflowing with gratitude for their kindness.
- The trash can was overflowing with discarded packaging.
- The stadium was overflowing with enthusiastic fans.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Full to overflowing": An emphatic phrase meaning completely and utterly full.
- The auditorium was full to overflowing for the guest lecture.
- Figurative Use: Commonly used to describe abstract concepts like emotions, energy, or generosity.
- He gave an overflowing account of his adventures. (Meaning: an account full of vivid details and enthusiasm).
Variants and Related Words
- Overflow (verb): To flow over the brim or limits of something.
- The river will overflow its banks during the spring thaw.
- Overflow (noun): The excess material that has spilled over; an outlet for excess liquid.
- The sink's overflow prevents flooding.
- Overflowed (verb, past tense): The past form of "overflow".
- The cup overflowed when I poured too much.
Synonyms
- Brimming: Full to the point of overflowing.
- Awash: Covered or flooded with water (or figuratively, filled with something).
- Inundated: Overwhelmed with too much of something.
- Bursting: So full as to be likely to break open.
- Teeming: Abundantly filled with moving things (e.g., people, life).
Antonyms
- Empty
- Depleted
- Devoid
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To overflow with (something): To have a very great amount of a feeling or quality.
- She was overflowing with joy at the news.
- To be at overflow capacity: To be completely full, often used for venues or events.
- The charity dinner was at overflow capacity, so they set up an extra room.
Adjective
- covered with water
- the main deck was afloat (or awash)
- the monsoon left the whole place awash
- a flooded bathroom
- inundated farmlands
- an overflowing tub