How Do You Spell OVERWHELMING?
Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ] (IPA) 
Correct spelling for the English word "overwhelming" is [ˌə͡ʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ], [ˌəʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ], [ˌəʊ_v_ə_w_ˈɛ_l_m_ɪ_ŋ] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ] (IPA)
Correct spelling for the English word "overwhelming" is [ˌə͡ʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ], [ˌəʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋ], [ˌəʊ_v_ə_w_ˈɛ_l_m_ɪ_ŋ] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Overwhelming is an adjective that describes a situation, feeling, or amount that is so intense or great that it becomes difficult to handle or overcome. It implies that something or someone has a powerful and dominating influence, effect, or impact, leaving little room for resistance, doubt, or escape.
When referring to a situation, overwhelming typically suggests that it is excessively demanding, burdensome, or challenging. It characterizes an event or circumstance that surpasses one's abilities to cope or deal with effectively, causing a sense of being flooded or overpowered. For example, a student may find themselves facing overwhelming pressure during exam season when the workload becomes unmanageable.
Regarding emotions or feelings, overwhelming conveys an incredibly strong, consuming, or compelling sensation that can be either positive or negative. It signifies an emotional state where the intensity or magnitude of the emotions is so profound that it is difficult to control or comprehend. For instance, someone may experience overwhelming joy at the birth of a child, or overwhelming grief when losing a loved one.
Furthermore, overwhelming can also describe a significant and excessive amount of something. It suggests a quantity or volume that is far beyond what is expected, desired, or necessary. It emphasizes the idea of excessiveness or abundance, making it challenging to deal with or process. For instance, an overwhelming number of job applicants may make the hiring process much more difficult for employers.
Overpowering or crushing with weight or numbers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "overwhelming" comes from the combination of two separate parts. The first part is the prefix "over-", which is derived from the Old English word "ofor", meaning "over" or "beyond". It implies excess or exceeding something.
The second part is the word "whelm", which ultimately traces back to the Old English word "hwelfan", meaning "to cover" or "to obscure". It has roots in several Germanic languages, such as Old High German "hwelfan" and Old Norse "helmingr".
When these two parts are combined, "overwhelming" is formed, expressing the idea of something that covers or exceeds to a great extent, often describing a feeling or situation that is overpowering or intense.
