overlap
gb/ˈoʊvɚlˌæp/ us/ˈoʊvɚlˌæp/
B2
English
~ 6200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
share part of same area or time
to be partly the same in area, time, or topic as something else, so that one part is shared
Usage pattern:
[something] overlaps (with) [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "overlap each other" (e.g., "Their jobs overlap each other"). In most cases, simply say "their jobs overlap" or "their jobs overlap with each other". Another common error is using "cross" or "mix" instead of "overlap" when talking about shared time or topics.
Synonyms
intersect (Often used for lines, sets, or more technical contexts; slightly more formal than "overlap".)
Antonyms
separate (Emphasizes that things are kept apart in space, time, or subject, with no shared part.)
Collocations
overlap with
|overlap in time
|overlap significantly
|overlap partially
|duties overlap
|overlapping roles
Themes
daily life
|work
|academia
|space
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Our work hours overlap, so we usually take lunch together.
- The two courses overlap in content, so you do not need to take both.
- Some of their responsibilities overlap with mine, which can cause confusion.
- Summer holidays often overlap with the peak tourist season.
- On the map, the two regions overlap in the central valley.
Learner examples
- My English class overlaps with my job, so I cannot go.
- Some of these ideas overlap with what we talked about yesterday.
- Their meetings overlap, so he can only attend one.
- The two images overlap on the screen.
- Parts of the two projects overlap in a good way.
Noun
B2
relation
2
shared part between two things
the shared part between two or more things in area, time, or topic
Usage pattern:
an overlap between [something] and [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes treat "overlap" only as an uncountable noun and avoid using "an overlap" (e.g., "There is overlap" instead of the more natural "There is some overlap" or "There is a big overlap"). Both countable and uncountable uses are common.
Synonyms
intersection (More formal and often used in technical, mathematical, or academic contexts to describe the shared part.)
Antonyms
gap (Refers to the space or difference where there is no shared part between things.)
Collocations
significant overlap
|considerable overlap
|a lot of overlap
|overlap between
|areas of overlap
|overlap in responsibilities
Themes
work
|academia
|planning
|space
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a lot of overlap between the two job descriptions.
- The overlap between the two committees sometimes creates confusion.
- We tried to reduce the overlap in topics covered by the textbooks.
- The study found a clear overlap between stress and sleep problems.
- We need some overlap between shifts to allow for handover.
Learner examples
- There is some overlap between the two courses.
- I see a big overlap in their skills.
- We want less overlap in our work.
- The overlap between the shows is only ten minutes.
- This chart shows the overlap between the two groups.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
3
part of material covering another part
the piece of material that lies over and covers part of another piece, for example in clothes or on a roof
Usage pattern:
an overlap of [material]
Synonyms
lap joint (A more specific technical term used especially in engineering and carpentry for a particular way of overlapping materials.)
Antonyms
butt joint (Describes a joint where two pieces touch end-to-end or edge-to-edge without overlapping.)
Collocations
tile overlap
|roof overlap
|overlap joint
|paper overlap
|sufficient overlap
Themes
construction
|engineering
|design
|housing
|clothing
|work
Examples
- Make sure there is enough overlap between the roof tiles to keep water out.
- The fabric skirt has a front overlap that closes with buttons.
- Insufficient overlap in the metal sheets caused the roof to leak.
- The drawing shows the minimum overlap required for a safe joint.
- They increased the overlap of the panels for extra strength.
Learner examples
- The roof tiles have a large overlap.
- There is a small overlap between the two metal plates.
- We need more overlap so the rain cannot get in.
- The door has an overlap to stop the wind.
- Please check the overlap of the wooden boards.
Grammar
Dictionary form
overlap
IPA
GB/ˈoʊvɚlˌæp/
US/ˈoʊvɚlˌæp/
Syllables & stress
over - lap (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (over)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: overlap
- Plural: overlap, overlaps
Verb
- Base: overlap
- 3rd Person Singular: overlaps
- Present Participle: overlapping
- Past: overlapped
Word family
Forms
overlaps
noun
overlapping
verb
overlapped
verb
Negative and opposite forms
non-overlapping
adjective
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: overlapping Verb
- Irregular past: overlapped Verb
Expressions
overlap with
1/ˈoʊvɚlˌæp wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
share part with something else
to be partly the same as something else in area, time, or topic
Examples
- My shift overlaps with hers, so we can discuss the handover.
- These two reports overlap with each other in several sections.
- The conference dates overlap with my vacation plans.