What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overwhelm
Example
I am overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do. [overwhelmed: adjective]
Example
The beauty of the sunset overwhelmed me with emotion. [overwhelmed: verb]
Example
The army was overwhelmed by the enemy's superior firepower. [overwhelmed: past tense]
devastate
Example
The news of her father's death devastated her. [devastated: verb]
Example
The hurricane devastated the coastal town, leaving nothing but rubble. [devastated: past tense]
Example
The team was devastated by their loss in the championship game. [devastated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overwhelm is more commonly used than devastate in everyday language. Overwhelm is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while devastate is less common and typically reserved for more serious or extreme situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overwhelm and devastate?
Both overwhelm and devastate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but devastate is generally considered more formal and serious than overwhelm.
