overlay

A layer placed over something else.

• The table has a glass overlay.
• Place the transparent overlay over the map.
• Metal overlays protected the wooden panels from damage.

Similar words: covering, layer

Common phrases: protective overlay, transparent overlay, plastic overlay

A box or layer that appears over part of a computer or phone screen.

• Close the overlay to see the page.
• An overlay appeared when I clicked the photo.
• These overlays hide the buttons underneath them.

Similar words: popup

Common phrases: screen overlay, close an overlay, transparent overlay

A sheet stuck onto a computer keyboard to show different labels or functions for the keys.

• Put the overlay on the keyboard.
• This keyboard overlay shows the editing shortcuts.
• The old overlays had labels for a different program.

Similar words: keystrip

Common phrases: keyboard overlay, key overlay, printed overlay

A cloth worn around the neck and tied at the front.

• He tied a silk overlay around his neck.
• A white overlay completed the gentleman’s dress.
• Her portrait shows a man wearing an overlay beneath his coat.

Similar words: cravat, neckcloth

Common phrases: silk overlay, white overlay, wear an overlay

To put a layer of something over another surface or image.

• Overlay the image with a blue layer.
• They overlaid the floor with clear plastic.
• The designer is overlaying text on the photograph.

How to use it: overlay something with something (They overlaid the wood with a thin sheet of gold.); overlay something on something (Overlay the new map on the old one.)

Similar words: cover, superimpose

Common phrases: overlay something with, overlay one image, overlay a map, overlay a surface

To put so much pressure on someone or something that they cannot cope.

• Grief overlaid her spirit.
• The endless duties overlaid him with care.
• They were overlaid by troubles they could not resolve.

How to use it: overlay someone with something (Do not overlay him with more duties.)

Similar words: overwhelm, burden

Opposites: relieve

Common phrases: overlay someone with, overlay the spirit

To bet more money on something than is sensible.

• Do not overlay the favourite.
• He overlaid a horse that had little chance of winning.
• Several punters overlaid the winner and earned very little.

Similar words: overbet

Common phrases: overlay a horse, overlay the favourite