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

1. 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