Word
overwhelmingly
Phoneticsover·whelm·ing·ly
US/ˌoʊvɝˈwɛɫmɪŋɫi/
UK/ˌəʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01mostly or by a large majority
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to say that almost everyone or everything in a group is the same.
adv. predominantly or by a vast majority; used to describe a result or opinion that is nearly universal.
“The local community voted overwhelmingly in favour of the new park.”
“Despite the controversial nature of the proposal, the board voted overwhelmingly to approve the merger during the final session.”
Synonyms
02very strongly or intensely
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is very powerful or feels like too much to handle.
adv. to an intense or irresistible degree; used to describe emotions or physical forces that are difficult to oppose.
“The smell of the flowers in the small room was overwhelmingly sweet.”
“The evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelmingly convincing, leaving the defence with very few options for appeal.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “overwhelmingly” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Mann may not convince you of supernatural powers but she overwhelmingly proves the power of storytelling.” “But are they overwhelmingly from the middle class, as Brown argues in his new book?” Etymology
From overwhelming + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/overwhelmingly