Between vs. Among: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 9, 2023
"Between" implies a relation involving two or distinct entities; "Among" indicates a more general, collective relation involving three or more.
Key Differences
"Between" refers to reciprocal or individual relationships involving two items or distinct groups. "Among," however, involves connections in which entities are considered part of a larger whole or collective, typically three or more.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
"Between" often denotes a clarity or distinction in the items involved, such as an agreement or comparison where individual elements are identifiable. "Among" suggests a less defined relationship, with elements being part of a collective or group.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
"Between" can also convey the idea of choice or distinction, such as selecting between two clear options. "Among" represents a choice or action within a collective, where individual elements may not be as distinctly separated or identified.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
"Between" is applicable in both physical and conceptual relations when addressing separate and distinct entities or groups. "Among," though, is used when entities are part of a group or multitude, not as separated or distinct.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
"Between" maintains its specificity even when numbers exceed two, provided the entities remain distinct. "Among" inherently implies being part of a larger, indistinct group, irrespective of the number involved.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage context
Choices, comparisons, individual entities
Groups, collectives, non-distinct entities
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Spatial relation
Specifies position in relation to two points
Implies being surrounded by or part of
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
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Between and Among Definitions
Between
In the space separating two points
The park is between the library and the cafe.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Between
In the interval separating two points in time
She'll arrive between 3 and 4 PM.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
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Between
Connecting distinct groups
Negotiations between the companies were successful.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Between
In or through the position or interval separating
Between the trees.
Between 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
Intermediate to, as in quantity, amount, or degree
It costs between 15 and 20 dollars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
Associating or uniting in a reciprocal action or relationship
An agreement between workers and management.
A certain resemblance between the two stories.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
In the company of; in association with
Traveling among a group of tourists.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
By many or the entire number of; with many
A custom popular among the Greeks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
In the combined ownership of
They had only a few dollars between them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
As measured against. Often used to express a reciprocal relationship
Choose between riding and walking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
With or against one another
Don't fight among yourselves. See Usage Note at between.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
Denotes a mingling or intermixing with distinct or separable objects. (See Usage Note at amidst.)
How can you speak with authority about their customs when you have never lived among them?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
In the position or interval that separates (two things), or intermediate in quantity or degree. (See Usage notes below.)
John stood between Amy and Mary.
Let's meet between two and three.
I want to buy one that costs somewhere between forty and fifty dollars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
Denotes a belonging of a person or a thing to a group.
He is among the few who completely understand the subject.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
Denotes a sharing of a common feature in a group.
Lactose intolerance is common among people of Asian heritage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
Shared in confidence.
Between you and me, I think the boss is crazy.
Let's keep this between ourselves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
Mixed or mingled; surrounded by.
They heard,And from his presence hid themselves amongThe thickest trees.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
In transit from (one to the other, or connecting places).
He's between jobs right now.
The shuttle runs between the town and the airport.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
Conjoined, or associated with, or making part of the number of; in the number or class of.
Blessed art thou among women.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
Combined (by effort or ownership).
Between us all, we shall succeed.
We've only got £5 between us.
Between the leaky taps and the peeling wallpaper, there isn't much about this house to appeal to a buyer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Among
Expressing a relation of dispersion, distribution, etc.; also, a relation of reciprocal action.
What news among the merchants?
Human sacrifices were practiced among them.
Divide that gold amongst you.
Whether they quarreled among themselves, or with their neighbors.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
One of (representing a choice).
You must choose between him and me.
Some colour-blind people can't distinguish between red and green.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
Taking together the combined effect of.
Between the food and the card games, this proved to be the best birthday party I have ever had.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
A kind of needle, shorter than a sharp, with a small rounded eye, used for making fine stitches on heavy fabrics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
In the space which separates; betwixt; as, New York is between Boston and Philadelphia.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
Used in expressing motion from one body or place to another; from one to another of two.
If things should go so between them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
Belonging in common to two; shared by both.
Castor and Pollux with only one soul between them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
Belonging to, or participated in by, two, and involving reciprocal action or affecting their mutual relation; as, opposition between science and religion.
An intestine struggle, open or secret, between authority and liberty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
With relation to two, as involved in an act or attribute of which another is the agent or subject; as, to judge between or to choose between courses; to distinguish between you and me; to mediate between nations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Between
In intermediate relation to, in respect to time, quantity, or degree; as, between nine and ten o'clock.
I . . . hope that between public business, improving studies, and domestic pleasures, neither melancholy nor caprice will find any place for entrance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Does "among" imply being part of a group?
Yes, it indicates inclusion in a collective.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Is "between" used for distinct choices?
Yes, it's used when distinguishing between clear, separate options.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Can "between" denote location?
Yes, when specifying position relative to two distinct points.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
What's "hidden among" mean?
It suggests being concealed within a group or multitude.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Is "between" for direct relationships?
Yes, it's for connections involving distinct entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
How does "between" work in negotiations?
It denotes reciprocal dealings involving two distinct parties.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Is "among" suitable for two items?
Typically, no. "Among" implies three or more non-distinct items.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "between" refer to time?
Yes, indicating a period spanning two points in time.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
What does "divided among" imply?
It means distributed to each member within a group.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Can "between" refer to more than two things?
Yes, if the items are distinct or groups, "between" is applicable.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Is "between" precise in comparisons?
Yes, it compares distinct, identifiable items.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Does "among" imply vagueness?
It can suggest a less clear, more collective relationship.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "between" mean "shared by"?
Yes, when something is reciprocally shared by distinct parties.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Can "among" suggest an undefined relationship?
Yes, it implies a less distinct, more generalized connection.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Is "among" used in selections?
It's used when choosing from within a group, not distinct items.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Is "among" collective?
Yes, it pertains to being part of a larger whole or group.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Can "between" involve separate groups?
Yes, if the groups are distinct from each other.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Does "between" work with distinct entities?
Yes, it's specific to clearly separate entities or groups.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Does "among" mean "within"?
In some contexts, it can imply being "within" a group or collective.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
