Words / B2

ohv-uh-LAP/ˌəʊvəˈlæp/

To overlap is to cover the same time, topic, or space in part: shifts overlap, our duties overlap, overlap with. Overlap is also a noun (an overlap between). Coincide is closer to happening at the same time by chance; clash can mean a problematic overlap of dates. In speech, they cover some of the same ground is enough. Stress: verb often /ˌəʊvəˈlæp/; noun /ˈəʊvəlæp/. Do not use overlap for a total duplicate (that is duplication).

Meaning

To cover part of the same time, subject, or area as something else.

Examples

• “The two shifts overlap by thirty minutes at handover.”
• “The two modules overlap by a week of content, so skip the repeated reading.”
• “Night and morning shifts overlap by thirty minutes for handover.”

Good to know

overlap with; an overlap between. Dates: clash if it is a problem. Chance timing: coincide. Total copy: duplication. Verb vs noun stress.

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