Overlapping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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overlapping
[ˈoʊ.vərˌlæp.ɪŋ ]
Definition
including areas
Overlapping describes situations where two or more things share common areas or are situated on top of one another. This can occur in various contexts, such as in diagrams, schedules, or concepts.
Synonyms
concurrent, converging, intersecting, superimposed.
Examples of usage
- The overlapping circles in the Venn diagram illustrate shared characteristics.
- The meeting schedules were overlapping, causing confusion about attendance.
- The overlapping themes in the novel enrich the story.
- In biology, the overlapping habitats of different species can lead to competition.
- The overlapping architecture of the two buildings creates a unique skyline.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In geometry, overlapping shapes can create complex designs, such as in tessellations.
- Statistics often uses overlapping data sets to show similarities or trends among populations.
Art
- In visual arts, overlapping elements can create depth and perspective, making a scene feel more realistic.
- Artists like Georges Braque used overlapping in Cubism to challenge traditional representations.
Psychology
- Overlapping experiences in therapy can help individuals relate their current feelings to past events, making connections clearer.
- Cognitive psychology studies how overlapping memories can sometimes lead to confusion in recalling events.
Technology
- In programming, overlapping functions can sometimes lead to errors if not managed correctly, highlighting the need for clear coding practices.
- In graphic design software, tools allow users to manipulate overlapping images for creative effects.
Origin of 'overlapping'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'overlap' comes from the Old English 'oferlappe,' meaning to lie over or cover.
- It has been used in English since the early 19th century, originally in reference to physical objects.
The word 'overlapping' is derived from the verb 'overlap', which itself comes from the combination of 'over' and 'lap'. The term 'over' comes from Old English 'ofer', indicating something above or beyond. 'Lap' comes from Old English 'læppa', which means 'to fold' or 'to wrap'. The concept of overlapping implies a layer or portion that extends beyond or onto something else. The usage of 'overlap' in English can be traced back to the late 14th century. 'Overlapping' as a form specifically refers to the act or state of overlapping, and it reflects a broader range of contexts where things are not just adjacent but share common space or elements. As language evolved, the notion of overlapping extended beyond physical spaces into abstract ideas such as time, themes, or experiences.