Overlap refers to the situation where two or more things share a common area or element. This can occur in various contexts, such as in geometry, where shapes like circles may intersect, creating a shared space. In everyday life, overlap can also describe when interests, responsibilities, or schedules coincide between individuals or groups. In data analysis, overlap is important for understanding relationships between datasets. For example, if two surveys measure similar traits, the overlap in responses can reveal insights about the population. Recognizing overlap helps in making informed decisions and identifying patterns in information, such as in statistics or market research.