What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smock
Example
The artist wore a smock to protect his clothes from paint splatters. [smock: noun]
Example
She smocked the dress to give it a more fitted look. [smocked: verb]
overall
Example
He wore overalls to work on the farm. [overalls: noun]
Example
She had to wear overalls to protect her clothes while painting. [overalls: noun]
Example
Overall, I think the project was a success. [overall: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overall is more commonly used than smock in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and meanings. Overall can be used to describe something that includes everything or is all-encompassing, in addition to its use as a garment. Smock is less common and more specific to artistic or medical settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between smock and overall?
Both smock and overall are generally informal words, but overall may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts due to its additional meaning as an adverb.
