What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
overlapped
Example
The two rugs overlapped each other in the center of the room. [overlapped: past tense]
Example
The schedules of the two conferences overlapped, making it difficult for attendees to attend both. [overlapped: verb]
overlay
Example
The designer added an overlay of lace to the dress to give it a more delicate look. [overlay: noun]
Example
The weather map showed an overlay of the storm's path over the region. [overlay: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overlapped is more commonly used than overlay in everyday language, particularly when describing physical objects sharing a common area. Overlay is more commonly used in a digital context, such as with images or graphics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between overlapped and overlay?
Both overlapped and overlay are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
