Overall Meaning
Overall Definition & Usage
Referring to the total or whole amount, often considering everything at once, without focusing on individual parts.
Examples
- "Overall, the project was a success despite the challenges we faced."
- "She gave an overall assessment of the team's performance during the meeting."
- "Overall, the weather has been pleasant for the past week."
- "The overall cost of the renovation came in under budget."
- "The overall atmosphere at the event was positive and energetic."
A protective garment worn over regular clothes, often used in work or industrial settings.
Examples
- "He put on his overalls before starting the repair work."
- "The workers were all wearing blue overalls while cleaning the factory."
- "She needed to wear overalls for the gardening project."
- "The mechanic always wore his overalls while working on cars."
- "Make sure you wear your overalls when handling the chemicals."
Cultural Context
The term 'overall' has its roots in the Middle English period, with the 'over' element indicating something covering or encompassing, and 'all' representing completeness. Over time, it evolved from a reference to a garment worn to protect clothing to its modern usage as an adjective for summarizing the totality of a situation or outcome. 'Overalls' as a garment have long been associated with manual labor and are often worn in industrial and agricultural settings. In modern culture, 'overall' is frequently used in both professional and casual contexts to indicate a big-picture assessment.
The Big Picture
Story
The Big Picture
Anna had always believed in the value of hard work and a comprehensive approach to any challenge. As she entered her office that crisp Monday morning, the team was already gathered around the table, discussing the upcoming project. The marketing team had been working hard for weeks, and today was the day to present their ideas. Anna listened intently as Sarah, the lead designer, presented the latest concepts for their new product. 'These designs are great, but what about the overall branding?' Anna asked, making sure to address the bigger picture. 'We need to make sure the designs align with our long-term vision for the company.' Sarah nodded, appreciating the holistic perspective. Later that afternoon, the entire team headed out to the factory to check on the production line. As they walked through the facility, Anna noticed the workers wearing blue overalls, diligently assembling the product. The protective clothing symbolized the hard work and dedication that went into every unit. 'I think we need to focus on improving overall efficiency,' Anna remarked, taking mental notes of the factory's setup. 'We should streamline this process.' By the end of the day, the team had made significant progress. In the debriefing session, Anna summarized the situation with a smile. 'Overall, we've made excellent strides today,' she said. 'We’re on track, but there's still work to be done.' Her team looked around the room, satisfied with their collective progress. As they left the office that evening, Anna reflected on how every small decision, whether it was related to design or factory production, was part of a much bigger puzzle. By keeping the overall perspective in mind, she knew the project would succeed.
Related Words
