Overcast

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈəʊvəˌkɑːst/

Definitions

1. A sky condition where clouds completely cover the sun, creating dim gray light without shadows
2. A meteorological state referring to a sky dominated by clouds that prevents sunlight from penetrating, resulting in a bleak ambiance
3. A weather condition characterized by a cloud-covered sky that prevents sunlight from shining through, leading to a darkened atmosphere

Etymology: "Overcast" began as a verb in Middle English, "overcasten," built from "over-" and "cast," the same "cast" that means to throw. To overcast was to cover over, as when clouds spread across the sky like a blanket thrown over it. The adjective sense of a sky covered with cloud grew out of that verb, so the picture behind the word is one of cloud literally thrown across the heavens. The same pattern appears in Swedish, where "överkast" means a bedspread or coverlet, a thing cast over something else. English and Swedish seem to have kept the same image of an object laid over a surface, though the English word went on to describe weather rather than bedding.

Synonyms: cloudy, dull

Antonyms: clear, sunny