Word
overarching
Phoneticsover·ar·ch·ing
US/ˈoʊvɝˌɑɹtʃɪŋ/
UK/ˌəʊvəɹˈɑːtʃɪŋ/
Definition
adj. describing something that is very important because it covers or affects every part of a situation. It is like a big umbrella that holds many smaller things together.
adj. comprehensive or all-embracing in scope; forming a central theme or principle that connects various parts of a whole. Often used to describe abstract concepts like goals, themes, or frameworks.
Examples
“The overarching goal of the project is to improve safety.”
“While the departments have different daily tasks, they all work toward the overarching mission of the company.”
“The philosopher argued that despite the diverse cultural practices observed globally, there exists an overarching moral framework that governs human interaction and social cohesion.”
Examples
simple
“The overarching goal of the project is to improve safety.”
contextual
“While the departments have different daily tasks, they all work toward the overarching mission of the company.”
complex
“The philosopher argued that despite the diverse cultural practices observed globally, there exists an overarching moral framework that governs human interaction and social cohesion.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before the noun it modifies (e.g., 'overarching theme').
Real-World Examples
“He says Patterson’s cross-examination by prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC was “fair”, “thorough” and conducted with the “overarching duty of fairness”.” “We’re told he could be an asshole but there’s little nitty-gritty, conflicted emotion or overarching plot to go with that.” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/overarching