1
Core action
Partly coincide with or share features, members, time, or scope with something else.
Example
The two categories overlap with each other but are not identical.
overlap with
/ˌəʊvəˈlæp wɪð/ · oh-vur-LAP withshared-feature phrase
Partly coincide with or share features, members, time, or scope with something else.
Use overlap with to express this relationship precisely: partly coincide with or share features, members, time, or scope with something else.
What overlap with Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The final phase overlaps with the beginning of the next period.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The species' range may overlap with neighbouring habitats.
Use overlap with Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The two categories overlap with each other but are not identical.
The final phase overlaps with the beginning of the next period.
The species' range may overlap with neighbouring habitats.
Precision Matters
Overlap with overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
overlap with
vs.Means partly coincide with or share features, members, time, or scope with something else.
coincide with
Means occur at the same time as, occupy the same position as, or agree with.
overlap with
vs.Means partly coincide with or share features, members, time, or scope with something else.
correspond to
Means match, align with, or have a direct relationship to something.
overlap with
vs.Means partly coincide with or share features, members, time, or scope with something else.
be associated with
Means be connected with something, without necessarily being caused by it.
overlap with
vs.Means partly coincide with or share features, members, time, or scope with something else.
distinct from
Means clearly separate or different in identity, character, or category.
Test overlap with in Context
The agencies share some areas of responsibility without being identical.
1
The responsibilities of the two agencies ___ one another in several policy areas.