Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəlˈap] (IPA) 
The word "overlap" is spelled with three syllables in English. The first syllable is "o" pronounced with the "oh" sound, followed by "ver" pronounced with "v-er" sound, and the final syllable is "lap" pronounced with the "l-ap" sound. The word represents the collision of two or more things or ideas, with one overlapping the other. The phonetic transcription for "overlap" is /ˈəʊvəlæp/.
Overlap is a term that is commonly used to describe when two or more things share a common area, boundary, or aspect. It refers to the situation where one thing partially or completely covers or extends over another. This can apply to various areas such as physical objects, concepts, or events.
In the context of physical objects or shapes, overlap is when two or more objects partially or wholly occupy the same area. For example, if two circles share a common area where their perimeters touch or intersect, it is said that they overlap. Similarly, in the case of shapes or figures, if they have common regions or areas, it implies an overlap.
Conceptually, overlap refers to the similarity or shared characteristics between two or more things. It highlights the commonalities or connections that exist between various ideas, theories, or disciplines. When two subjects, fields, or phenomena share common concepts, principles, processes, or objectives, it can be said that there is an overlap between them.
In terms of events or timeframes, overlap refers to the occurrence of two or more events that happen simultaneously or have a common period. This can be seen in scheduling or planning, where two tasks are assigned to the same time interval, resulting in an overlap.
Overall, overlap signifies the connection, coexistence, or intersection that exists between two or more things in terms of physical space, conceptual similarity, or temporal occurrence.
• In geol., a term used to express that extension or spread of higher strata by which they conceal the edges of those on which they rest.
• To lap or fold over, as when the margin of one thing rests on that of another.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "overlap" originated from the combination of two Middle English words, "over" and "lap".
The word "over" comes from the Old English word "ofer", which means "above" or "across". "Ofer" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*uber" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*uper", which also meant "over" or "above".
The word "lap" in this context means "to lie or fold over". It has its roots in the Old English word "læppa" and the Proto-Germanic word "*lappō".
Combining "over" and "lap", the word "overlap" emerged in Middle English around the 15th century, referring to something that lies over or folds over another thing. The term has been retained in the English language with relatively unchanged meaning ever since.
