To be overwhelmed by something is to be overcome by it completely in mind or feeling. A person might be overwhelmed with emotion on a momentous day. The verb inundate, while defined as “to overwhelm,” is used slightly differently. The primary meaning of inundate is “to flood” or “to cover or overspread with water.” Even when inundate is used in a context firmly planted on dry ground, the suggestion of a deluge, at least a figurative one as represented by great numbers of something, remains. For instance, if a columnist is inundated with letters from angry readers, he or she is swimming in negative feedback.

Respect is a sense of the worth or excellence of a person or of a personal quality. Esteem refers to a favorable opinion or judgment, as of a person. Whereas respect can suggest courtesy out of a sense of duty or propriety, the slightly warmer esteem usually implies deference rooted in admiration or tinged with affection. While you’re likely to hear the noun respect used with the verb have, as in “I have great respect for him,” esteem is more likely to be held: “I hold her in high esteem.”

Something that is concise, as a summary or even a definition, covers much in few words. This term suggests great efficiency of expression. A brief statement is short, but might lack key information. A concise statement ticks both boxes: it’s short and comprehensive, covering essential information in a focused and effective manner. Of course, accomplishing both is no small task, which explains why we find concise next to such glowing adverbs as admirably, wonderfully, and impressively.