abrumador
“abrumador” means “overwhelming” in Spanish (when something is too much to handle emotionally or mentally).
overwhelming
Also: stifling, crushing
📝 In Action
Tengo una cantidad abrumadora de trabajo esta semana.
B1I have an overwhelming amount of work this week.
El calor en la ciudad era abrumador.
B2The heat in the city was stifling.
Ganaron las elecciones con una mayoría abrumadora.
C1They won the elections with an overwhelming majority.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: abrumador
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly describes a very hot day?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'abrumar', which originally meant to be weighed down or crushed. It is related to 'bruma' (fog or winter mist), suggesting a heavy, thick atmosphere that covers everything.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'abrumador' be used for positive things?
Yes! While it usually describes heavy or difficult things, you can have an 'éxito abrumador' (overwhelming success), which is a very positive thing.
What is the difference between 'abrumador' and 'agobiante'?
'Abrumador' is often about the scale or amount of something (like a majority or a lot of work). 'Agobiante' is more about the feeling of being suffocated or having no space to breathe.
Is it a formal word?
It is slightly more sophisticated than words like 'mucho' or 'pesado', but it is used regularly in newspapers and everyday adult conversation.