overpowering

/,ouvə'pauəriɳ/

Thân thiện

The overpowering smell of fresh bread filled the cozy kitchen.

Definition

Adjective 1. Extremely strong, intense, or powerful; so strong as to be irresistible or overwhelming. - Describing a force, feeling, or influence that is so powerful it cannot be resisted or controlled. - Often used to describe emotions, sensations, or physical forces that dominate a person or situation.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a physical force or sensation:

  • The overpowering heat of the desert forced them to seek shelter.
  • She was hit by an overpowering smell of chemicals as she entered the lab.

• Describing an emotion or psychological state:

  • He felt an overpowering desire to tell her the truth.
  • A sense of overpowering grief consumed her after the loss.

• Describing an influence or majority:

  • The party won with an overpowering majority in the election.
  • The general's overpowering personality dominated the council meetings.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Overpowering" vs. "Overwhelming": While often used interchangeably, "overpowering" can more strongly imply an active force that subdues or conquers, whereas "overwhelming" can emphasize a sheer, massive quantity or intensity that buries or inundates.

  • The overpowering stench (suggests a force that actively assaults the senses).
  • The overwhelming evidence (suggests a great volume that is difficult to contend with).

• Used to describe something that is excessively strong to the point of being unpleasant or unbearable.

  • The perfume was beautiful but its scent was overpowering in the small room.

Variants and Related Words

• Overpower (verb): To defeat or subdue by superior force; to overcome physically or emotionally.
  • The security guards managed to overpower the intruder.
• Overpowered (adjective): (Often used in contexts like gaming or mechanics) Rendered too weak or ineffective by a superior force; or, having excessive power.
  • The new character felt overpowered compared to the others.
• Overpoweringly (adverb): In an overpowering manner.
  • The room was overpoweringly hot.

Synonyms

• Overwhelming: So great as to render resistance or opposition useless.
• Irresistible: Too attractive or compelling to be resisted.
• Consuming: Filling one's attention completely; very intense.
• Potent: Having great power, influence, or effect.

Antonyms

• Weak: Lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks; lacking intensity.
• Feeble: Pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness.
• Mild: Not severe, harsh, or extreme.
• Subtle: So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• An overpowering presence: Refers to a person whose personality or authority is so strong it dominates the atmosphere of a room or situation.
  • Despite saying little, her overpowering presence was felt by everyone.
• To be overpowered by: To be completely overcome or defeated by a force or emotion.
  • He was overpowered by a feeling of nostalgia when he visited his old school.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. so strong as to be irresistible
   • an overpowering need for solitude
   • the temptation to despair may become overwhelming
   • an overwhelming majority

Từ đồng nghĩa

• overwhelming