Between: meaning, definitions and examples

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between

 

[ bɪˈtwiːn ]

Preposition / Adverb / Adjective
Oxford 3000
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?

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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?

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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?

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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

Translations

Translations of the word "between" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entre

🇮🇳 के बीच

🇩🇪 zwischen

🇮🇩 di antara

🇺🇦 між

🇵🇱 między

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 entre

🇪🇸 entre

🇹🇷 arasında

🇰🇷 사이에

🇸🇦 بين

🇨🇿 mezi

🇸🇰 medzi

🇨🇳 之间

🇸🇮 med

🇮🇸 á milli

🇰🇿 арасында

🇬🇪 შორის

🇦🇿 arasında

🇲🇽 entre

Etymology

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.

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.