How Do You Spell OVERLIE?

Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəlˈa͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "overlie" is spelled with two syllables and three letters in each syllable: /ˌoʊ.vərˈlaɪ/. The first syllable "o-ver" is pronounced with the long "o" sound /oʊ/ and the unstressed schwa sound /ə/. The second syllable "lie" is pronounced with the long "i" sound /aɪ/. The spelling of this word follows the general pattern of adding the prefix "over-" to the base word "lie." It means to lie on top of something or cover it completely.

OVERLIE Meaning and Definition

  1. Overlie is a transitive verb that refers to the act of laying or resting upon something or someone, typically in a horizontal position. It describes the action of covering or being positioned on top or above something else. This verb is often used to indicate one object or surface being placed directly on another, such as a blanket overlying a bed or a book overlying a table.

    The term "overlie" can also suggest a figurative meaning, denoting the concept of a dominant or overshadowing influence. It is used to describe a situation where one idea, fact, or circumstance exerts a greater impact or significance on another. For instance, in a legal context, evidence may overlie the testimony of a witness, implying that the proof carries more weight and importance than the individual's statement.

    Furthermore, "overlie" can be employed in a geological context to describe the process by which one rock layer or sediment accumulates on top of another. This use of the word emphasizes the stratigraphic order of formations, depicting one layer overlaying and often concealing a preceding one. This geological significance highlights how overlying materials can provide crucial insights into the history and evolution of Earth's surface.

    Overall, "overlie" encompasses various meanings across different domains, encompassing physical positioning, dominance, and geological layering.

  2. To lie above or upon.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OVERLIE

Etymology of OVERLIE

The word "overlie" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the combination of two words: "over" and "lie".

"Over" comes from the Old English word "ufor", which means "above" or "higher". It later evolved to "over", retaining its sense of "above" or "across".

"Lie" is derived from the Old English word "licgan", which means "to recline" or "to be situated".

By combining "over" and "lie", the word "overlie" was formed, meaning "to lie over" or "to rest upon" something.

Similar spelling words for OVERLIE

Conjugate verb Overlie

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have overlain; overlied
you would have overlain; overlied
he/she/it would have overlain; overlied
we would have overlain; overlied
they would have overlain; overlied
I would have overlie
you would have overlie
he/she/it would have overlie
we would have overlie
they would have overlie

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been overlying
you would have been overlying
he/she/it would have been overlying
we would have been overlying
they would have been overlying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would overlie
you would overlie
he/she/it would overlie
we would overlie
they would overlie

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be overlying
you would be overlying
he/she/it would be overlying
we would be overlying
they would be overlying

FUTURE

I will overlie
you will overlie
he/she/it will overlie
we will overlie
they will overlie

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be overlying
you will be overlying
he/she/it will be overlying
we will be overlying
they will be overlying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have overlain
you will have overlain
he/she/it will have overlain
we will have overlain
they will have overlain

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been overlying
you will have been overlying
he/she/it will have been overlying
we will have been overlying
they will have been overlying

IMPERATIVE

you overlie
we let´s overlie

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to overlie

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was overlying
you were overlying
he/she/it was overlying
we were overlying
they were overlying

PAST PARTICIPLE

overlain

PAST PERFECT

I had overlain
you had overlain
he/she/it had overlain
we had overlain
they had overlain

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been overlying
you had been overlying
he/she/it had been overlying
we had been overlying
they had been overlying

PRESENT

I overlie
you overlie
he/she/it overlies
we overlie
they overlie

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am overlying
you are overlying
he/she/it is overlying
we are overlying
they are overlying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

overlying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have overlain
you have overlain
he/she/it has overlain
we have overlain
they have overlain

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been overlying
you have been overlying
he/she/it has been overlying
we have been overlying
they have been overlying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it overlie

SIMPLE PAST

I overlay
you overlay
he/she/it overlay
we overlay
they overlay
I would have overlain
we would have overlain
you would have overlain
he/she/it would have overlain
they would have overlain

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