Soffit vs. Eaves — What's the Difference?

A soffit is an exterior or interior architectural feature, generally the horizontal, aloft underside of any construction element. Its archetypal form, sometimes incorporating or implying the projection of beams, is the underside of eaves (to connect a retaining wall to projecting edge(s) of the roof).

The eaves are the edges of the roof which overhang the face of a wall and, normally, project beyond the side of a building. The eaves form an overhang to throw water clear of the walls and may be highly decorated as part of an architectural style, such as the Chinese dougong bracket systems.

The underside of an architectural structure such as an arch, a balcony, or overhanging eaves.

The part of a roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a building

The underside of a structural component, such as a beam, arch, staircase, or cornice.

(architectural element) The underside of a roof that extends beyond the external walls of a building.

(architectural element) The visible underside of an arch, balcony, beam, cornice, staircase, vault or any other architectural element.

(by extension) Something that extends over or projects beyond.

(pipe technology) The top point of the inside open section of a pipe or box conduit.

Plural of eave

The under side of the subordinate parts and members of buildings, such as staircases, entablatures, archways, cornices, or the like. See Illust. of Lintel.

The edges or lower borders of the roof of a building, which overhang the walls, and cast off the water that falls on the roof.

The underside of a part of a building (such as an arch or overhang or beam etc.)

Brow; ridge.

Eyelids or eyelashes.

The overhang at the lower edge of a roof