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to overlay

to overlay

11 4.2
To cover something with a layer of material
  • verb
  • /ˈoʊvərˌleɪ/
translation icon : recubrir
  • One of the most powerful features of a GIS is the ability to overlay several map layers.
  • overlay a topographical map
  • overlay their existing data
  • overlay information

She camouflaged the pit with branches overlaid with sod.

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Examples

  • You can easily overlay a graphic onto your photo to enhance its appearance.

  • To create a more interesting design, you can overlay different textures on the canvas.

  • Direct mail still works, especially when you overlay it with phone calls.

  • You just print out two of them, tape them together, overlay it like so and cut it out.

  • So if this frame was my main angle, I could use B roll to overlay and cut on top of this shot.

  • It's easier than ever to overlay a CAD part with the mesh necessary for design analysis.

    Academic text (2003)
  • In the final stages of a project, better presentations can be created by overlaying graphs from multiple files.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Visual learners are supported through augmented reality interfaces that overlay information in the real world with video, pictures, or 3D representations.

    Academic text (2014)
  • After you overlay the map with the new data, you'll see the updated routes more clearly.

Synonyms

to cover
vsto overlay
1.0

To put something over another thing to protect or hide it

applies a material layer directly to a surface for coating
to apply
vsto overlay
263 1.3

Put a substance onto a surface to cover it

focuses on making a layer specifically for covering purposes
to coat
vsto overlay
105 2.8

To cover something with a thin layer of a substance

means the same idea but without naming the substance used
to top with
vsto overlay
43 2.8

Put something on top of food to finish and make it look nicer

is used for any layer, not only a final decorative addition
to plaster
vsto overlay
30 3.8

To cover a surface thickly or stick things all over it

is about adding any layer, not specifically thick or patching material
to superimpose
vsto overlay
24 6.7

To put one thing on top of another so both are visible

normally hides the lower surface rather than keeping both visible
to spread over
vsto overlay
17 3.6

Form a layer across a surface, like fog or icing

is the general action of adding a layer rather than spreading motion
to surface
vsto overlay
15 4.3

To cover something with a new outer layer

is the broader act of adding any covering material to an object
to laminate
vsto overlay
11 4.3

To cover something with a thin plastic layer to protect it

is broader, not limited to thin protective or strengthening sheets
to carpet
vsto overlay
9 4.7

To cover a surface with a thick layer like flowers or snow

means adding a surface layer but not necessarily a thick or textile one
to lay over
vsto overlay
3 3.5

To put one thing on top of another so it partly covers it

involves creating a continuous layer across a surface rather than a placement
to surmount
vsto overlay
1 6.1

To be on top of a building or object as a decoration

focuses on forming a continuous applied layer rather than ornamental placement
to superpose
vsto overlay
1 8.5

To put one thing on top of another so they line up and can be seen

creates a covering layer that may conceal the original surface
to overspread
vsto overlay
1 7.1

Move across a surface and cover it, like mist or color

is the narrower act of laying a material as a single layer
to mantle
vsto overlay
1 7.2

To cover something completely, like fog or snow

is the simple act of making a surface layer without cloak imagery
to plaster over
vsto overlay
1 4.5

To cover a surface with a layer of material or paint to hide damage

describes adding a layer generally, not specifically for repair with plaster
to enrobe
vsto overlay
  • Specialized
1 7.4

To cover something completely with cloth or a thin layer like chocolate

is about applying a material layer without the metaphor of dressing
to enwrap
vsto overlay
1 8.0

To cover something completely, often by surrounding it with cloth or paper

is about covering a surface with a layer rather than fully enclosing it
to onlay
vsto overlay
8.8

To attach a thin decorative piece to the surface of something

applies more generally to adding any material layer, not only decoration
to overcoat
vsto overlay
6.4

To cover something with an extra layer, often paint or varnish

refers to adding a layer without implying excess or finality
to overwrap
vsto overlay
4.4

To cover something with an extra layer to protect it or make it look nicer

involves forming a layer directly on the surface rather than a full wrap
to beplaster
vsto overlay
  • Archaic
9.9

To cover a surface thickly with stickers, paste, or cream

is the general act of adding a layer without implying thickness

Antonyms

2.3

Show something that was hidden or secret

37 2.7

Remove a cover to show what is under it

How Thick

to encase
34 4.9
to overlay
11 4.2
to cover
1.0
to plate
  • Specialized
37 6.2
coat
92 2.5
to dust
54 2.5

Surface Forms

overlay infinitive
overlaying present participle
overlays third person singular
overlaid past
overlaid past participle

Morphology

overlay = lay (transparent) = over + lay

Standard verb formed by prefixing 'over' to 'lay', meaning to place something over another surface.

Etymology

Overlay comes from the parts over 'above' and lay 'to put down', so it literally means to put a layer over something. That's why to overlay is to cover a surface with another material or layer.