All vs. Overall — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
All refers to the entirety of something without exception, focusing on inclusivity. Overall denotes a general summary or totality, emphasizing a broad perspective.
Difference Between All and Overall
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
All encompasses every part, member, or aspect of a group or total without omission. It signifies completeness within a defined scope. Overall, on the other hand, conveys a sense of totality or the main effect, often used to summarize or conclude observations across various components.
When discussing quantities or collections, "all" implies each individual item or element is considered. Meanwhile, "overall" suggests a summary or generalization about the group as a whole, without detailing each component.
In the context of opinions or assessments, all refers to every opinion or assessment considered, pointing to a detailed and exhaustive approach. Overall, whereas, highlights a synthesized or generalized view, possibly derived from an aggregation of details.
When used in descriptions, all ensures that no part is left unmentioned, aiming for a thorough and comprehensive account. On the other hand, overall provides a summarizing statement that captures the essence or predominant features without focusing on specifics.
In instructions or guidelines, specifying all implies that every step or detail must be followed or accounted for. Conversely, overall advice or instructions might focus on the end goal or general method, leaving room for interpretation or variation in the specifics.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Referring to every part or individual component
Summarizing or generalizing the total effect
Focus
Detail and completeness within a defined scope
Broad perspective or summary
Usage in Text
Specifies inclusivity of elements or details
Indicates a general conclusion or summary
Implication
Emphasizes thoroughness and exhaustiveness
Suggests a main effect or generalization
Context
Used when detailing or listing specifics
Used in summarizing or providing a general view
Compare with Definitions
All
The entire extent or range of.
The museum was closed for all of December.
Overall
Taking everything into account.
Overall, the project was a success.
All
Every possible; the utmost.
We must consider all possibilities.
Overall
Pertaining to the whole scope or range.
Overall, our strategy needs to be more aggressive.
All
Including every one of the mentioned items.
All students must submit their projects by Friday.
Overall
With everything included.
The overall cost exceeded our budget.
All
Fully; completely.
I agree with you all the way.
Overall
General effect or outcome.
The overall impression of the document was positive.
All
Any whatsoever.
Beyond all doubt, the evidence was conclusive.
Overall
Considering all aspects or elements.
Her overall performance this semester has improved.
All
Being or representing the entire or total number, amount, or quantity
All the windows are open. Deal all the cards.
Overall
Taking everything into account
The governors and head have overall responsibility for managing the school
The overall effect is impressive
All
Constituting, being, or representing the total extent or the whole
All Christendom.
Overall
Taken as a whole; in all
Overall, 10,000 jobs will go
All
Being the utmost possible of
Argued the case in all seriousness.
Overall
A loose-fitting coat or one-piece garment worn over ordinary clothes for protection against dirt or heavy wear
A pair of overalls
Men in grubby blue overalls
All
Every
Got into all manner of trouble.
Overall
From one end to the other
The overall length of the house.
All
Any whatsoever
Beyond all doubt.
Overall
Including everything; comprehensive
The overall costs of medical care.
All
(Pennsylvania) Consumed; used up; gone
The apples are all.
Overall
Regarded as a whole; general
My overall impression was favorable.
All
(Informal) Being more than one
Who all came to the party? See Note at y'all.
Overall
On the whole; generally
Enjoyed the performance overall.
All
The whole of one's fortune, resources, or energy; everything one has
The brave defenders gave their all.
Overall
Chiefly British A loose-fitting protective outer garment; a smock.
All
Wholly; completely
A room painted all white.
Overall
Overalls Loose-fitting pants, usually of strong fabric, with a bib front and shoulder straps, often worn over regular clothing as protection from dirt.
All
So much
I am all the better for that experience.
Overall
All-encompassing, all around.
All
Used as an intensive
Then he got all mad and left.
Overall
Generally; with everything considered.
All
Each; apiece
A score of five all.
Overall
(British) A garment worn over other clothing to protect it; a coverall or boiler suit. A garment, for manual labor or for casual wear, often made of a single piece of fabric, with long legs and a bib upper, supported from the shoulders with straps, and having several large pockets and loops for carrying tools.
All
Every individual or anything of the given class, with no exceptions (the noun or noun phrase denoting the class must be plural or uncountable).
All contestants must register at the scorer’s table.
All flesh is originally grass.
All my friends like classical music.
Overall
A garment, worn for manual labor, with an integral covering extending to the chest, supported by straps.
All
Throughout the whole of (a stated period of time; generally used with units of a day or longer).
Overall
Everywhere.
All
Only; alone; nothing but.
He's all talk; he never puts his ideas into practice.
Overall
Work clothing consisting of denim trousers (usually with a bib and shoulder straps)
All
(obsolete) Any.
Overall
A loose protective coverall or smock worn over ordinary clothing for dirty work
All
Everything.
Some gave all they had.
She knows all and sees all.
Those who think they know it all are annoying to those of us who do.
Overall
Involving only main features;
The overall pattern of his life
All
Everyone.
A good time was had by all.
We all enjoyed the movie.
Overall
Including everything;
The overall cost
The total amount owed
All
The only thing(s).
All that was left was a small pile of ash.
All
Used after what, where, how and similar words, either without changing their meaning, or indicating that one expects that they cover more than one element, e.g. that "who all attended" is more than one person.}} Some dialects only allow this to follow some words and not others.
All
Wholly; entirely; completely; totally.
She was sitting all alone. It suddenly went all quiet.
All
Apiece; each.
The score was 30 all when the rain delay started.
All
(degree) So much.
Don't want to go? All the better since I lost the tickets.
All
Even; just.
All
A quotative particle, compare like.
She was all, “Whatever.”
All
(with a possessive pronoun) Everything that one is capable of.
She gave her all, and collapsed at the finish line.
All
(countable) The totality of one's possessions.
All
(obsolete) Although.
All
All gone; dead.
The butter is all.
All
The whole quantity, extent, duration, amount, quality, or degree of; the whole; the whole number of; any whatever; every; as, all the wheat; all the land; all the year; all the strength; all happiness; all abundance; loss of all power; beyond all doubt; you will see us all (or all of us).
Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.
All
Any.
All
Only; alone; nothing but.
I was born to speak all mirth and no matter.
All
Wholly; completely; altogether; entirely; quite; very; as, all bedewed; my friend is all for amusement.
All
Even; just. (Often a mere intensive adjunct.
All as his straying flock he fed.
A damsel lay deploringAll on a rock reclined.
All
The whole number, quantity, or amount; the entire thing; everything included or concerned; the aggregate; the whole; totality; everything or every person; as, our all is at stake.
Death, as the Psalmist saith, is certain to all.
All that thou seest is mine.
Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee,Forever.
Trust me not at all, or all in all.
All
Although; albeit.
All they were wondrous loth.
All
Quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class;
We sat up all night
Ate all the food
All men are mortal
All parties are welcome
Have some milk
Some roses were still blooming
Having some friends over
Some apples
Some paper
All
Completely given to or absorbed by;
Became all attention
All
To a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (`whole' is often used informally for `wholly');
He was wholly convinced
Entirely satisfied with the meal
It was completely different from what we expected
Was completely at fault
A totally new situation
The directions were all wrong
It was not altogether her fault
An altogether new approach
A whole new idea
Common Curiosities
How does "all" emphasize detail?
"All" specifies that every individual component or aspect is considered, leaving no part out.
What is the main difference between "all" and "overall"?
"All" refers to each part or member of a group without exception, while "overall" denotes a summary or general impression.
Can "all" and "overall" be used interchangeably?
No, because "all" emphasizes inclusivity and completeness, whereas "overall" focuses on summarizing or presenting a general view.
How does "overall" simplify complex information?
By summarizing and focusing on general outcomes or impressions, "overall" helps convey the essence of complex details.
Does "all" imply a deeper level of analysis?
Yes, using "all" often indicates a thorough consideration of every part or aspect, suggesting a detailed analysis.
In what context is "overall" more appropriate than "all"?
"Overall" is more appropriate when providing a summary, general impression, or when discussing the main effect or outcome.
Can "overall" refer to physical coverage?
Yes, in a literal sense, "overall" can describe something that covers or pertains to the whole area or extent.
In scientific writing, how are "all" and "overall" utilized?
"All" is used to ensure thoroughness in methodological details or data, while "overall" can summarize findings or the general significance of results.
How do "all" and "overall" affect the clarity of communication?
"All" enhances clarity by specifying inclusivity, while "overall" offers a broad summary that can clarify the main point or general perspective.
Can "all" be used to emphasize unanimity?
Yes, it can indicate complete agreement or uniformity among a group.
Is "all" only used for quantitative purposes?
Not exclusively; "all" can refer to quantities, qualities, or extents, emphasizing completeness in various contexts.
Is "overall" more subjective than "all"?
"Overall" can be more subjective, as it often involves summarizing or generalizing, which may include personal interpretation.
How do "all" and "overall" contribute to argumentative writing?
"All" can provide comprehensive support by detailing every argument, while "overall" can effectively summarize or conclude.
Can "overall" indicate a conclusion?
Yes, "overall" often introduces a summarizing statement or conclusion drawn from detailed observations.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
