overlap

If two things partly cover each other or happen at the same time, they share some space or time.

• The two meetings overlap.
• The roof tiles must overlap slightly.
• Our holidays overlapped by three days.

How to use it: overlap with something (My lunch break overlaps with yours.)

Similar words: coincide partly

Common phrases: overlap in time, overlap each other, overlap slightly

To lie over part of another thing or reach beyond its edge.

• The sheets overlap each other.
• One tile overlaps the tile below it.
• The mat overlapped the edge of the desk.

Similar words: partly cover

Common phrases: overlap the edge, overlap another sheet, overlap the tiles

To have some of the same features, responsibilities, or areas.

• Our interests overlap.
• Their jobs overlap in several areas.
• These two maps overlap along the coast.

How to use it: overlap with something (Her duties overlap with mine.); overlap in something (The courses overlap in content.)

Similar words: intersect, have in common

Common phrases: overlap with something, interests overlap, roles overlap

The part or amount that two things cover or have in common.

• Leave a small overlap between the sheets.
• There is an overlap in their responsibilities.
• The overlap between our schedules makes planning difficult.

How to use it: overlap between A and B (There is some overlap between these courses.); overlap with something (This role has considerable overlap with yours.)

Similar words: intersection

Common phrases: overlap between things, some overlap, large overlap