Word
overcast
Phoneticsover·cast
/ˈoʊvɝˌkæst/
Definition
adj. describing a sky that is completely covered with clouds, making it look grey and dull. You use this when there is no blue sky visible and the sun is hidden.
adj. covered with clouds; dull and grey. Often used predicatively after 'be' or 'become', or attributively to describe weather conditions.
Examples
“The sky is overcast and it looks like rain.”
“We decided to cancel the picnic because the morning was cold and overcast.”
“Despite the overcast conditions, the photographer managed to capture the architectural details of the cathedral without the harsh shadows caused by direct sunlight.”
Examples
simple
“The sky is overcast and it looks like rain.”
contextual
“We decided to cancel the picnic because the morning was cold and overcast.”
complex
“Despite the overcast conditions, the photographer managed to capture the architectural details of the cathedral without the harsh shadows caused by direct sunlight.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe the sky or the weather; often follows the verb 'to be'.
Etymology
From Middle English overcasten, equivalent to over- + cast. Compare Swedish överkast.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/overcast