overcast
UK[ˌəʊvəˈkɑːst]US[ˌoʊvərˈkæst]
adj
(of the sky) covered with cloud; dull and gloomy.
v
to cover (the sky) with clouds; to become cloudy or dark.
n
a covering of cloud over the sky.
Morpheme Breakdown
over
cast
over
above, across
cast
throw, spread
Etymology
the word 'overcast' is a compound formed from two germanic elements. the prefix 'over-' carries the sense of covering from above, while the verb 'cast' originally meant to throw or to spread something. when combined, the literal meaning is "to throw or spread over," which perfectly describes clouds being spread across the sky. this concrete meteorological sense, first recorded in the 14th century, later extended to describe the resulting gloomy state of the sky. the figurative use to describe a somber mood or atmosphere followed logically from the visual and emotional impression of a cloud-covered sky.
Analysis
Structure: over (above, across) + cast (throw, spread)
'over' is from old english 'ofer', meaning above, across, or beyond. 'cast' is from old norse 'kasta', meaning to throw or to spread.
Examples
the weather forecast predicts an overcast day with a chance of drizzle.
a sudden gloom overcast her previously cheerful expression.
pilots must be trained to land in overcast conditions.