superposition vs superimposition

K

kisakoala

Member
French-France
Hi everyone,

I saw that the french word "superposition" can be translated into english by either "superposition" or "superimposition".
Is there any difference between those two words ?

In my specific case, I want to describe a scientific figure on which two protein structures are superimposed to show their similarities.
For my figure's title, should I write "Superposition of two protein structures" or "Superimposition of two protein structures"?

Thanks.
 
    • By figure, do you mean an image, an illustration? If so, it would normally be appropriate to say that one image is superimposed over another – which implies that this is done in such a way that even the one underneath is still visible.

    But maybe you mean something more technical? If I google both words with "of two protein structures", superposition comes up with some 11,000 hits and superimposition with only about 4,000. I suggest you do the same and see whether the examples that appear answer your question.
     
    I don't know if I've ever seen the words 'superpose' or 'superimposition'. In normal language we superimpose things (a verb) and get a superposition (a noun). There may be technical uses of the other two.
     
    kisakoala said:
    I want to describe a scientific figure on which two protein structures are superimposed
    Click to expand...
    English tends to use superimpose (verb, transitive) as far as images and objects are concerned, and it usually implies a sentient agent.

    I superimposed (verb) the image of the protein molecule on the original and found several differences. The superimposed (adjective) molecule had an extra carbon bond. I can recommend superimposition (noun) as a technique.

    Compare the usual lack of a sentient agent in superpose:

    The sandstone is in superposition (noun) to the limestone. We assume that it was superposed (verb) during the Devonian period. We ask ourselves if there could have been a superposed (adjective) layer of alluvial mud on the sandstone.
     
    Last edited:
    You must log in or register to reply here.
    Back
    Top