Between: meaning, definitions and examples

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between

[bɪˈtwiːn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Preposition}

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. The book is between the two shelves. She stood between her friends in the photo.
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. She found herself among good friends. The secret was safe among the villagers.
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. He felt lost amidst all the chaos. Amidst the laughter, she found solace.
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. They built a bonfire in the middle of the field. She was interrupted in the middle of her speech.

Examples of usage

She stood between Jeff and me
There's a fine line between genius and madness

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

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. The park is located between the two churches. The meeting will be held between 2 PM and 3 PM.
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. She fell asleep during the movie. Please remain quiet during the presentation.
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. The playground is in the middle of the park. I was in the middle of cooking dinner when she called.

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.

The park is located between the two churches.
The meeting will be held between 2 PM and 3 PM.

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.

She fell asleep during the movie.
Please remain quiet during the presentation.

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.

The playground is in the middle of the park.
I was in the middle of cooking dinner when she called.

Examples of usage

Between 6 and 7, he'll be on his way
She has to leave between 5 and 6

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

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. The ball is between the two chairs. I have to choose between ice cream and cake.
in the middle	Refers to a position equal distance from the sides or ends. She stood in the middle of the room. The park bench is in the middle of the park.
intermediate	Used to describe something in the middle stages of development or complexity, often between basic and advanced levels. She is at an intermediate level in her Spanish class. This is an intermediate step in the project.
midway	Used to describe a point that is equally distant from two places; often used when describing progress or distance. We met midway between our houses. The project is midway to completion.

Examples of usage

He couldn't decide between the two options
She was torn between staying and leaving

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "between" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entre

🇮🇳 के बीच

🇩🇪 zwischen

🇮🇩 di antara

🇺🇦 між

🇵🇱 między

🇯🇵 間

🇫🇷 entre

🇪🇸 entre

🇹🇷 arasında

🇰🇷 사이에

🇸🇦 بين

🇨🇿 mezi

🇸🇰 medzi

🇨🇳 之间

🇸🇮 med

🇮🇸 á milli

🇰🇿 арасында

🇬🇪 შორის

🇦🇿 arasında

🇲🇽 entre

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #52, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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49 could
50 very
51 over
52 between
53 shall
54 most
55 your
...