What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overlaid
Example
The table was overlaid with a beautiful lace cloth. [overlaid: past tense verb]
Example
The artist overlaid the painting with gold leaf to create a stunning effect. [overlaid: past participle adjective]
overlay
Example
The weatherman used an overlay to show the path of the storm. [overlay: noun]
Example
The graphic designer will overlay the text onto the image. [overlay: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overlay is more commonly used than overlaid in everyday language. Overlay is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while overlaid is less common and typically used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overlaid and overlay?
Both overlaid and overlay can be used in formal and informal contexts, but overlaid may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with decoration and ornamentation.
