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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Overlap: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：partially cover (overlap)

overlap 🔊

/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/

When part of one thing covers part of another thing.

Overlap definition illustrated with overlapping sticky notes showing partial coverage.

partially cover 🔊

➕

/ˈpɑːʃəli ˈkʌvə/

To have one part covering a section of something else so that both parts occupy the same space partially.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'over-' (above, across) + 'lap' (to lie or fold over), literally 'to lie over another'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of one pancake lying over another, creating a shared area. Over + Lap = to lie over.

📖 Example

The two pages in my notebook overlap, making it hard to read the words in the middle. 🔊 The two pages in my notebook partially cover each other, making it difficult to read the text in the center area.

🔗 Collocations

overlap slightly – to cover just a small part of something else

overlap precisely – to cover another item with exact alignment

overlap irregularly – to cover in a non-uniform or uneven pattern

🔄 Synonyms

overlay (v.) – to lay or spread something over another surface

cover (v.) – to be on top of or to spread over a surface

intersect (v.) – to cross or meet at a point, creating a shared area

🚫 Antonyms

separate (v.) – to move or keep apart; to not touch or cover

align (v.) – to arrange in a straight line or correct relative position without covering

🌱 Derivatives

overlap (n.) – the area or amount by which one thing covers another

overlapping (adj.) – covering part of the same area or time

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Middle English 'overlappen'. It frequently describes modern scheduling conflicts in calendars and project timelines, or shared characteristics in academic research and data analysis.

Meaning 2：coincide in time (overlap)

overlap 🔊

/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/

When two things happen at the same time for a period, or share some of the same features.

Overlap in time shown with overlapping schedule blocks on a calendar.

coincide in time 🔊

➕

/kəʊˈɪnsaɪd ɪn taɪm/

To occur simultaneously for a period, or to share common qualities, characteristics, or areas of interest.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My music lesson overlaps with my math class by ten minutes, so I have to choose which one to attend. 🔊 My music lesson coincides partially with my math class for ten minutes, forcing me to select one to attend.

🔗 Collocations

overlap partially – to coincide in time or share some but not all features

overlap completely – to occur at exactly the same time or share all relevant features

overlap in scope – to share a common area of coverage, responsibility, or interest

🔄 Synonyms

coincide (v.) – to happen at the same time or to be in agreement

intersect (v.) – to have a common area or period; to meet or cross

concur (v.) – to happen or exist at the same time

🚫 Antonyms

diverge (v.) – to separate and go in different directions; to differ in opinion or subject

follow (v.) – to come after in time or sequence

🌱 Derivatives

overlap (n.) – the period or area in which two things coincide or share features

overlapping (adj.) – occurring at the same time or sharing common elements