overall
[adjective]
Synonyms:
- total, all-embracing, blanket, complete, comprehensive, general, global, inclusive
[adverb]
Synonyms:
- in general, on the whole

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. o‧ver‧all¹ S3 W2 AC /ˌəʊvərˈɔːl◂ $ ˌoʊvərˈɒːl◂/ adjective [only before noun]
considering or including everything:
The overall cost of the exhibition was £400,000.
The overall result is an increase in population.
An overall winner and a runner-up were chosen.
We don’t want all the details now, just the overall picture.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. overall² AC adverb

1. considering or including everything:
Williams came fifth overall.
What will it cost, overall?

2. [sentence adverb] generally:
Overall, prices are still rising.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

III. o‧ver‧all³ /ˈəʊvərɔːl $ ˈoʊvərɒːl/ noun

1. [countable] British English a loose-fitting piece of clothing like a coat, that is worn over clothes to protect them

2. overalls [plural] American English heavy cotton trousers with a piece covering your chest, held up by pieces of cloth that go over your shoulders Synonym : dungarees British English

3. overalls [plural] British English a piece of clothing like a shirt and trousers in one piece that is worn over other clothes to protect them Synonym : coveralls American English

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

overall
I.
noun
1.
BAD: In spite of the film's many faults, in the overall it's worth seeing.
GOOD: In spite of the film's many faults, on the whole it's worth seeing.
BAD: England is okay on the overall, although some places are very dirty.
GOOD: England is okay on the whole, although some places are very dirty.

Usage Note:
on the whole = in general: 'On the whole, the people I've been dealing with have been very cooperative.'
Compare: 'Her overall command of English is excellent.' 'On the whole her command of English is excellent.'

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2.
BAD: The important thing is your score in overall.
GOOD: The important thing is your overall score.

Usage Note:
Overall may be used as an adjective or adverb (NOT as a noun after in/on ): 'The examination counts for 60 per cent of your overall grade.' 'You would have done better overall if you hadn't spent so long on the essay question.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲

overall
II.
adjective
BAD: His idea of a good time included the sun, the sea, jokes, laughter, and overall friendship.
GOOD: His idea of a good time included the sun, the sea, jokes, laughter, and above all friendship.

Usage Note:
overall = (adv) (1) including everything: 'How much will the holiday cost, overall?' (2) generally: 'Overall, the weather in this area is good.'
overall = (adj) including everything: 'We're concerned about the overall effect of these films on younger viewers.'
above all = most importantly: 'Get plenty of sleep, eats lots of good food, and above all try to relax.' 'The sort of person we are looking for must be well qualified, suitably experienced, easy to get on with, and above all able to work independently.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲

overall
adj. All inclusive; comprehensive.
What our department needs is an overall revamping of our undergraduate curriculum.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲