Ditto vs. Same: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 1, 2023
"Ditto" is an informal expression connoting repetition or agreement, while "same" denotes identicalness or equivalence.
Key Differences
"Ditto" and "Same" both convey a sense of repetition or similarity. "Ditto" originates from Italian, implying "as said before" and is often used informally to express agreement or to avoid repeating something just mentioned. For example, if someone says they love a particular song, another might respond with "ditto" to express they feel the same way. "Same", however, is a more general term denoting identicalness or equivalence in various contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
The word "Ditto" carries a colloquial tone and is more specific in its usage. It's often seen in casual conversations or lists where repetition is to be avoided. "Same", on the other hand, is versatile and can be used in formal and informal contexts alike. It can refer to things that are identical or unchanged.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
When it comes to emphasis, "Ditto" usually stresses an alignment or agreement with a previously stated sentiment or fact. In contrast, "Same" emphasizes identity or equivalence without necessarily referring to a previous statement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
In summary, while both "Ditto" and "Same" can indicate agreement or repetition, "Ditto" is a more informal and specific expression of agreement or repetition, whereas "Same" is a broader term denoting identicalness or equivalence.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Contextual Examples
Responses in conversations
Comparisons, descriptions, states
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Ditto and Same Definitions
Ditto
An emblem (") indicating repetition.
The ditto mark saved us from rewriting the item.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Same
Used to emphasize an identical situation or recurrence.
The same thing happened last time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Same
A person or thing identical to another.
She and I are cut from the same cloth.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
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Ditto
Used to avoid repetition in a list or text.
He listed the colors - red, blue, ditto, ditto - for clarity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Same
Similar in kind, quality, quantity, or degree
The ceremony went off with the same elegance that it has had every year.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ditto
An informal expression of agreement.
“I think the movie was great!” “Ditto!”
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Same
Being the one previously mentioned or indicated; aforesaid
"There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon.
And the same man was just and devout" (King James Bible).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ditto
A pair of small marks ( " ) used to indicate that the word, phrase, or figure given above is to be repeated.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; identical.
I realised I was the same age as my grandfather had been when he joined the air force.
Even if the twins are identical, they are still not the same person, unlike Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens.
Peter and Anna went to the same high school: the high school to which Peter went is the high school to which Anna went.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ditto
That which was stated before, the aforesaid, the above, the same, likewise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Used to express the unity of an object or person which has various different descriptions or qualities.
Round here it can be cloudy and sunny even in the same day.
We were all going in the same direction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ditto
A duplicate or copy of a document, particularly one created by a spirit duplicator.
Please run off twenty-four dittos of this assignment, for my students.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
(used with the) The same way; in the same manner; to the same extent, equally.
A mother loves all her children the same.
My hometown looked much the same as when I'd left 10 years ago.
It took all night to find our hotel room, as we forgot our room number and each door looked the same.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ditto
The ditto mark, 〃; a symbol, represented by two apostrophes, inverted commas, or quotation marks (" "), indicating that the item preceding is to be repeated.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
The identical thing, ditto.
The same can be said of him.
It's the same everywhere.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Something similar, something of the identical type.
She's having apple pie? I'll have the same.
You two are just the same.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
It or them, without a connotation of similarity.
The question is his credibility or lack of same.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
It or them, as above, meaning the last object mentioned, mainly as complement: on the same, for the same.
My picture/photography blog...kindly give me your reviews on the same.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ditto
Used as an expression of agreement with what another person has said, or to indicate that what they have said equally applies to the person being addressed.
I'm really busy today! —Ditto!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Ditto
The aforesaid thing; the same (as before). Often contracted to do., or to two "turned commas" ("), or small marks. Used in bills, books of account, tables of names, etc., to save repetition.
A spacious table in the center, and a variety of smaller dittos in the corners.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Not different or other; not another or others; identical; unchanged.
Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Of like kind, species, sort, dimensions, or the like; not differing in character or in the quality or qualities compared; corresponding; not discordant; similar; like.
The ethereal vigor is in all the same.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Just mentioned, or just about to be mentioned.
What ye know, the same do I know.
Do but think how well the same he spends,Who spends his blood his country to relieve.
Bees like the same odors as we do.
[He] held the same political opinions with his illustrious friend.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Same in identity;
The same man I saw yesterday
Never wore the same dress twice
This road is the same one we were on yesterday
On the same side of the street
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Closely similar or comparable in kind or quality or quantity or degree;
Curtains the same color as the walls
Two girls of the same age
Mother and son have the same blue eyes
Animals of the same species
The same rules as before
Two boxes having the same dimensions
The same day next year
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
Unchanged in character or nature;
The village stayed the same
His attitude is the same as ever
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Same
In the same manner;
You get treated fairly, same as any other student in this course!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
FAQs
Can "Same" denote agreement like "Ditto"?
While "Same" can indicate agreement, it doesn't always refer to a previous statement like "Ditto".
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Is "Ditto" more conversational?
Yes, it's often used in casual conversations to express agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Is "Ditto" ever used in formal writing?
Rarely. It's more suited to informal contexts.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Which word has a broader range of meanings?
"Same" has a broader range and can be used in various contexts.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Are both words commonly used in everyday language?
"Same" is more common, but "Ditto" is also widely recognized, especially in informal settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Same" emphasize repetition?
Yes, especially when highlighting a recurring situation.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Ditto" replace "Same" in all contexts?
No, "Ditto" is more informal and specific, while "Same" is broader in usage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Is "Ditto" older than "Same"?
In terms of their origins, "Ditto" came later, derived from Italian, while "Same" has Old English roots.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Is "Same" always neutral in tone?
Mostly yes, but context can give it different connotations.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Which word is more versatile in sentences?
"Same" is more versatile due to its broader meaning and usage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Do they have the same part of speech?
No, "Ditto" can be a noun or adverb, while "Same" can be an adjective or pronoun.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Ditto" be used in lists?
Yes, it can be used to avoid repetition in lists.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Same" be used in formal documents?
Yes, it's neutral in tone and suitable for various contexts.
Sara Rehman
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Same" refer to an identical individual?
Yes, as in "We are of the same kind."
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Ditto" be used to denote similarity?
It's more about repetition or agreement than mere similarity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Is "Ditto" synonymous with "Likewise"?
In some contexts, both can express agreement, but they're not always interchangeable.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Same" emphasize unchanged character or nature?
Yes, as in "The situation remains the same."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Is "Ditto" always informal?
Mostly, though its degree of informality can vary based on context.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 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.
