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Overlap Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overlap

[หˆษ™สŠvษ™lap ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A situation in which two or more things are overlapping each other, or sharing a common area.

Synonyms

crossing, intersection, intersection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overlap

Used when two things partially cover each other or have something in common.

  • There is an overlap in our schedules on Thursday
  • The two circles overlap in the middle
intersection

Usually refers to a point where two or more roads meet, or figuratively where different ideas or areas meet.

  • The accident happened at the intersection of Elm Street and Main Street
  • There is a fascinating intersection between art and technology
crossing

Generally used when discussing physical points where paths or roads meet or a point at which things/people move past each other.

  • Be careful while crossing the street
  • The river crossing was difficult due to the strong current

Examples of usage

  • The Venn diagram shows the overlap between the two sets.
  • There is an overlap of interests between the two research projects.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To extend over or cover part of the same area as something else.

Synonyms

coexist, coincide, intersect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
overlap

Used when two or more things partially cover or apply to each other, often implying some shared space or responsibilities.

  • The two meeting times overlap by an hour, making it hard to attend both.
  • His job responsibilities overlap with hers, leading to some confusion.
coincide

Indicates that two or more events happen at the same time or agree with each other, often used for timing or alignment.

  • The concert coincides with my birthday, making it a perfect celebration.
  • The results of the experiment coincide with our initial hypotheses.
intersect

Describes the point where two or more things cross each other, often used in geometry, roads, or discussions about interactions.

  • The two streets intersect at the main square.
  • Our research interests intersect, making collaboration easy.
coexist

Describes two or more things existing at the same time or place without interfering with each other, often used in social or biological contexts.

  • Different species can coexist in the same habitat peacefully.
  • Despite their differences, the two cultures manage to coexist within the same country.

Examples of usage

  • The two events overlap, so I can't attend both.
  • His responsibilities overlap with those of his colleague.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In geometry, overlapping shapes can create areas that are counted in various calculations, like finding the area of intersection.
  • This concept is useful in probabilities where the overlapping region of two events can show shared outcomes.
  • In Venn diagrams, an overlap represents shared characteristics between different groups.

Science

  • In ecology, species overlap in their habitat can indicate competition for resources, like food or space.
  • In genetics, the overlap of genes in different organisms can help scientists understand evolutionary relationships.
  • Overlap in the study of brain functions shows how different areas of the brain can perform multiple tasks at once.

Pop Culture

  • In movies or books, characters might overlap in storylines, creating connections that enrich the narrative.
  • Music genres can overlap, leading to the creation of new styles, like jazz fusion or country pop.
  • Fashion trends frequently overlap, with styles from different decades reappearing in modern clothing.

Psychology

  • Overlapping emotions, such as love and fear, can coexist and influence our feelings and actions.
  • Cognitive overlap between different areas of expertise can allow individuals to solve problems more creatively.
  • In social psychology, overlapping identities (like being part of multiple communities) can enhance oneโ€™s sense of belonging.

Origin of 'overlap'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'overlap' comes from the combination of 'over' and 'lap', with 'lap' meaning to cover or fold.
  • It was first recorded in English in the late 19th century, originally used in contexts related to physical objects.
  • The meaning of 'overlap' has expanded over time to include concepts beyond just physical items, such as ideas and time.

The word 'overlap' originated from the Middle English word 'overlopen', which means to run over. The term started to be used in the 16th century and has since evolved to represent the concept of things sharing a common area or extending over each other.

See also: lap, lapel, lapin, lapper, laptop, lapwing.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,697 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.