The eave is the lower edge of a roof that overhangs the exterior wall, directing water away from the building's foundation and siding.
Eaves serve both a functional purpose (directing runoff away from walls and foundation, providing some shade) and are where gutters, fascia, soffit, and drip edge all come together. Eave overhang depth varies by architectural style and climate — deeper overhangs are common in wet or high-sun climates for added wall protection.
The eave is the overall overhanging edge of the roof; the soffit is specifically the finished underside surface of that overhang.
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