overlay

overlay — 動詞

IPA/ˌəʊvəˈleɪ/
KK[ˈovɚlˌe]IPA/ˌəʊvərˈleɪ/
  • overlaypresent simple I / you / we / they
  • overlayshe / she / it
  • overlaidpast simple
  • overlaying-ing form

1. to place a thin layer of one material over the surface of another, often to prot

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

覆蓋；鋪上

在表面鋪上一層薄材料

to place a thin layer of one material over the surface of another, often to protect, decorate, or improve its look.

例句

Meera overlaid the new sofa with a simple cotton cover to protect it from dust.

Meera 在新沙發上鋪了一層簡樸的棉布套，以免沾灰塵。

active: overlay + noun + with + noun

The old wooden table had been overlaid with a layer of dark varnish.

那張舊木桌的表面已塗上一層深色亮光漆。

passive: be overlaid with [layer]

同義詞
  • cover

    more general term; 'cover' works for any thickness or purpose

  • coat

    focuses on a layer of liquid or semi-liquid material like paint or varnish

  • laminate

    implies a bonded layer of material, usually as a factory process

文法句型

overlay + noun + with + noun

be overlaid with + noun

用法筆記

Often in the passive form 'be overlaid with' when describing the finished surface. Subject is usually a surface such as a floor, table, wall, or piece of furniture.

常見錯誤

❌I overlaid the table with a heavy blanket.
✅I covered the table with a heavy blanket.
💡Use 'overlay' for thin or ornamental layers, not for thick or functional coverings.

2. to add a quality, mood, or feeling that affects the way something feels or is ex

2.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

籠罩；增添

附加某種情緒或氛圍

to add a quality, mood, or feeling that affects the way something feels or is experienced — for example, a serious conversation overlaid with tension, or a story overlaid with gentle humour.

例句

Baraka's serious voice was overlaid with a hint of nervousness as he began to speak.

Baraka 嚴肅的聲音中帶著一絲緊張，當他開始說話時。

passive: be overlaid with [abstract quality]

The family celebration was overlaid with sadness because Hugo could not travel home.

那場家庭慶祝活動因 Hugo 無法回家而籠罩著一絲哀傷。

同義詞
  • tinge

    suggests a small amount of a quality, often a negative one like bitterness

  • suffuse

    more formal; implies the quality spreads through the whole thing gradually

  • permeate

    suggests the quality penetrates deeply, not just a surface layer

文法句型

be overlaid with + abstract noun

用法筆記

Almost always in the passive form 'be overlaid with'. The added element is an abstract quality (tension, sadness, humour, irony, bitterness), not a physical material. Subject is usually an event, performance, text, or atmosphere.

常見錯誤

❌The speech was overlaid with jokes' (as if jokes were the main content).
✅The speech was overlaid with a tone of humour.
💡The quality added is a secondary layer that affects the whole, not the main subject matter.

overlay — 名詞

IPA/ˈəʊ.və.leɪ/
KK[ˈovɚlˌe]IPA/ˈoʊ.vɚ.leɪ/