What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engulfed
Example
The house was engulfed in flames within minutes. [engulfed: verb]
Example
The city was engulfed by a massive snowstorm. [engulfed: past participle]
overwhelmed
Example
I was overwhelmed with joy when I heard the news. [overwhelmed: adjective]
Example
She was overwhelmed by the amount of work she had to do. [overwhelmed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overwhelmed is more commonly used than engulfed in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between engulfed and overwhelmed?
Both engulfed and overwhelmed are relatively formal words that may not be commonly used in casual conversation. However, overwhelmed is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
