overarching
The overarching theme of the novel is redemption.
The main, all‑covering theme of the novel is redemption.
Including or affecting everything; all‑encompassing.
The committee drafted an overarching policy to guide all future projects.
The committee created a single, all‑covering policy for every future project.
Often placed before abstract nouns such as 'policy', 'goal', 'framework'.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Placement Tip
Place ‘overarching’ directly before the noun it modifies (e.g., ‘overarching strategy’) for clarity.
Gold Rule
Rule of Scope
Reserve ‘overarching’ for ideas, policies, or concepts that truly cover every aspect; don’t use it for single, isolated items.
Word Origin
From the prefix over‑ ‘above, beyond’ + arch‑ from Greek ‘archos’ meaning ‘chief, principal’ + the adjectival suffix –ing.
Usage Notes
Use ‘overarching’ when you want to stress that something spans or unites all parts of a larger whole; avoid using it with concrete, countable items.