Langimage
English

overlay

|o/ver/lay|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌoʊvərˈleɪ/

🇬🇧

/ˌəʊvəˈleɪ/

cover with a layer

Etymology
Etymology Information

'overlay' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'oferlecgan,' where 'ofer-' meant 'over' and 'lecgan' meant 'to lay.'

Historical Evolution

'oferlecgan' transformed into the Middle English word 'overleyen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'overlay.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to lay over,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cover with a layer.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a layer of material that is placed over another.

The map had an overlay showing the new road layout.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to cover the surface of something with a layer of another material.

The artist overlaid the canvas with gold leaf.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39