Between Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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between
[bɪˈtwiːn ]
Definitions
two things or people
In the position or interval that separates (two things or people)
Synonyms
amidst, among, in the middle of.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| between |
Used when referring to the space separating two points, people, objects, or concepts. It implies distinction and separation.
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| among |
Used when referring to being part of a group, more than two people or things. It implies being in the company of or surrounded by multiple entities.
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| amidst |
Often used in a poetic or formal context, it indicates being surrounded by or in the middle of something, especially non-physical elements like emotions or situations.
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| in the middle of |
Indicates being located at an equal distance from all sides or being at the central part of something. It can refer to physical location or a point during an ongoing activity.
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Examples of usage
- She stood between Jeff and me
- There's a fine line between genius and madness
time
At some point during (a period of time)
Synonyms
during, in the middle of.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| between |
This word is often used to denote something that is situated in the space separating two objects or points in time. It can also indicate a relationship involving two or more parties.
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| during |
This word refers to something happening throughout the duration of a particular period of time. It emphasizes the time frame in which an event occurs.
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| in the middle of |
This phrase is used to describe something that is located at an equal distance from the outer edges of an area, or it can refer to a point in the midst of an activity or process.
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Examples of usage
- Between 6 and 7, he'll be on his way
- She has to leave between 5 and 6
two options
Being in the intermediate position or in an intermediate state
Synonyms
in the middle, intermediate, midway.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| between |
Used when referring to the space separating two points, people, or things.
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| in the middle |
Refers to a position equal distance from the sides or ends.
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| intermediate |
Used to describe something in the middle stages of development or complexity, often between basic and advanced levels.
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| midway |
Used to describe a point that is equally distant from two places; often used when describing progress or distance.
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Examples of usage
- He couldn't decide between the two options
- She was torn between staying and leaving
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In geometry, 'between' describes a point that lies in the middle of a segment connecting two endpoints.
- In number theory, the term is used to specify ranges, like identifying numbers that fall between two values.
- The concept of 'between' is crucial in graph theory, where nodes often represent elements that are connected or positioned in relation to each other.
Psychology
- Cognitive psychology explains how humans perceive 'between' in relationships as crucial for social interaction and understanding dynamics.
- Research shows that people often conceptualize emotions as existing between them and others, influencing their social behaviors.
- The notion of 'between' extends to conflict resolution, emphasizing negotiation and finding common ground in disagreements.
Linguistics
- 'Between' is a preposition, which means it shows a relationship, often spatially or temporally.
- In some languages, the concept 'between' might not have a direct translation, altering how relationships are expressed.
- The usage of 'between' can vary; for example, it can be correctly applied to two entities, but it can stretch to include more when used in specific phrases.
Literature
- Many poems and stories explore themes of 'between', emphasizing the transitional states of characters or plotted events.
- The concept often symbolizes choices, such as being between two paths or decisions, a common motif in literature.
- Authors may use 'between' in metaphors to describe conflicts, highlighting the tension experienced by characters torn between options.
Origin of 'between'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'betweonum,' which broke down to mean ‘by two’.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'biþwō', highlighting its connection to the concept of duality.
- Historically, the word 'between' has been used in English since before the year 900 AD.
The word 'between' originated from Middle English 'bitwene', which comes from Old English 'betweonum'. It is a combination of 'be-' (by) and 'twēonum' (two). The use of 'between' has evolved over time to convey the idea of something or someone being in an intermediate position or interval separating two things or people.