Between: meaning, definitions and examples
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between
[ bɪˈtwiːn ]
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 |
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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
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
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.