What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overwhelm
Example
I was overwhelmed with joy when I saw my family after so long. [overwhelmed: adjective]
Example
The amount of work to be done can be overwhelming at times. [overwhelming: gerund or present participle]
overcome
Example
She overcame her fear of public speaking by practicing regularly. [overcame: past tense]
Example
We must overcome the challenges that come our way to achieve success. [overcome: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overcome is more commonly used than overwhelm in everyday language. Overcome is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overwhelm is less common and typically used in the context of emotional or mental challenges.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between overwhelm and overcome?
Both overwhelm and overcome can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but overcome is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.
