overlapping

Everyday

1. Overlapping means covering part of something else, so two things lie partly over each other. tree →
2. Overlapping ideas or times share some part in common. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, overlapping circles in a Venn diagram show things that belong to both groups; the overlap is the middle part. In science, fish scales and roof tiles are overlapping to keep water out. In timetables, overlapping events happen at the same time. Phrases: "overlapping circles", "overlapping times".

Examples

• Draw two overlapping circles for a Venn diagram. tree →
• Roof tiles are overlapping so rain runs off. tree →
• The fish has overlapping scales. tree →
• Our clubs have overlapping times, so I can't do both. tree →
• The overlapping part shows numbers that are even and less than ten. tree →
• The leaves were overlapping in the sun. tree →

Note

Double p: overlapped, overlapping. In a Venn diagram, a thing in the overlapping part is counted once, not twice; when adding groups, subtract the overlap so you do not count it twice.