What does overlapped mean?
Overlapped is the past tense and past participle of overlap, a word describing partial sharing, covering, or coincidence. It is used for physical objects, as when one surface lies partly over another, and for more abstract subjects, such as two documents discussing similar material or two schedules sharing some time. The word suggests that the things involved are not completely identical and do not occupy exactly the same space or scope; instead, they have at least some features in common. In everyday conversation, overlapped can refer to conversations or activities that continue past the end of another. For example, two presentations might overlap in their discussion of a topic, or a renovation project might overlap with a previous construction schedule. Overlapped is useful when describing connections that are real but limited, especially in research, planning, design, and discussion.
verbTo lie or extend partly over something else, or to share some part of an area, range, or subject with something else.
- To lie partly over or cover something else.
- To coincide partly in area, extent, position, or subject.
- To have a partial overlap in timing, such as when activities or conversations continue beyond the end of another.
"The new bridge overlaps the old road by several metres."
"The two reports overlap in their discussion of the financial crisis."
"Her presentation overlapped with the beginning of the next speaker's talk."
When two ideas overlap, they share some ground without becoming identical.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overlapped come from?
Overlap was formed in the early 19th century from the prefix over- and the verb lap, meaning to fold or place one thing over another. The development extended from literal covering to figurative partial coincidence in space, time, or subject matter. The related noun overlap and verb form overlapping continue the same Germanic roots, while cognates such as overlay preserve the idea of placing one thing over another.
Related word forms
How overlapped is actually used
Overlapped is the past tense and past participle of overlap. It is common in both formal and informal English; in formal writing, overlap can also be used as a noun for the shared area or subject.