Overcast
/ˈoʊvərkæst/
Definitions
2 meaningsCovered with clouds; not bright or sunny.
/ˈoʊvərkæst/
Describing a sky covered in clouds.
The sky was overcast, and it looked like it might rain.
💡 Simply: Think of the sky like a blanket. When it's overcast, the sky is completely covered with a cloudy blanket, so you can't see the sun! Like when you pull the covers over your head on a rainy day.
👶 For kids: When the sky is all covered with clouds, like a blanket!
More Examples
An overcast sky can make a hike less enjoyable.
The overcast conditions created soft, diffused light perfect for photography.
How It's Used
"The weather forecast predicted an overcast sky for the entire weekend."
"It was an overcast day, so we decided to stay indoors."
To cloud or darken with a shadow or gloom.
/ˌoʊvərˈkæst/
To cloud or darken something.
The sudden bad news overcast their celebration.
💡 Simply: Imagine a dark cloud comes over a sunny day, making everything feel gloomy. To overcast something is to make it feel less bright, like putting a dark shadow on it.
👶 For kids: To make something feel gloomy or dark, like when a cloud covers the sun.
More Examples
Her sadness began to overcast the entire room.
The threat of war overcast the negotiations.
How It's Used
"The tragedy overcast their joy."
"Worries overcast her mind."
Synonyms
From Old English *ofercæstan* (to cloud over, cover over), from *ofer* (over) + *cæstan* (to cast, throw). The word originally referred to the action of throwing a cloud over something.
Historically used to describe the act of throwing something over, and later became specific to clouds.