overlap
overlap Lexical Profile
overlap Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A shared area of interest, responsibility, knowledge, or time between two or more things, activities, or periods.
"There is a significant overlap between the duties of the marketing team and the public relations department."
A part or edge of an object that extends over and covers part of another object, or the amount by which it does so.
"Leave a two-inch overlap when hanging each strip of wallpaper to ensure the seam is sealed."
• verb
To partly coincide in scope, subject matter, function, or authority.
"Sociology and psychology often overlap when researchers examine group behavior."
To extend over and cover a part of something else.
"The roof tiles are arranged so that each row overlaps the one below it to keep out the rain."
To happen partly at the same time as another event or period.
"Because our vacations overlap by three days, we can meet for dinner in Rome."
Word Nuance & Usage
Like many English two-syllable noun-verb pairs, 'overlap' typically shifts its stress in speech: as a noun it is often stressed on the first syllable ('OVER-lap'), whereas as a verb it is stressed on the second syllable ('over-LAP').
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 18th century by combining the prefix 'over-' with 'lap' (from Old English 'læppa', meaning a fold or hanging edge of a garment).