Definitions
- Describing something that is on top of or covering another thing. - Referring to a layer of sediment or rock that covers another layer. - Talking about a situation where one thing is concealing or hiding another thing.
- Referring to a layer of material that is placed on top of another surface. - Describing a design or pattern that is applied on top of an existing surface. - Talking about a situation where one thing is covering or obscuring another thing.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is on top of or covering another thing.
- 2Both can be used to describe layers of material or sediment.
- 3Both can be used to describe situations where one thing is concealing or hiding another thing.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Overlie is typically used in scientific or technical contexts, while overlay is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 2Action: Overlie implies that the covering object is naturally or passively on top of the other object, while overlay implies that the covering object was intentionally placed on top of the other object.
- 3Type of covering: Overlie refers to a physical layer or covering, while overlay can refer to a physical layer or a digital layer, such as an overlay on a map.
- 4Direction: Overlie implies that the covering object is directly on top of the other object, while overlay can imply that the covering object is at an angle or partially covering the other object.
- 5Connotation: Overlie can have a neutral or technical connotation, while overlay can have a creative or decorative connotation.
Remember this!
Overlie and overlay both describe something that is on top of or covering another thing. However, overlie is typically used in scientific or technical contexts and implies a passive or natural covering, while overlay is more commonly used in everyday language and implies an intentional or creative covering.
