Ditto vs. Same: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun, Adverb
Adjective, Pronoun
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Definition
"As said before" or "The same thing as"
Identical or unchanged
Typical Usage
Agreement or repetition
Denoting identicalness or equivalence
Tone
Informal
Neutral (can be used formally and informally)
Contextual Examples
Responses in conversations
Comparisons, descriptions, states
Ditto and Same Definitions
Ditto
An emblem (") indicating repetition.
The ditto mark saved us from rewriting the item.
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Same
Used to emphasize an identical situation or recurrence.
The same thing happened last time.
Ditto
The same thing as mentioned.
She ordered a soda, and I said, Ditto.
Same
A person or thing identical to another.
She and I are cut from the same cloth.
Ditto
A duplicate or copy.
I have the ditto of that document.
Same
Being the very one; identical
The same boat we rented before.
Ditto
Used to avoid repetition in a list or text.
He listed the colors - red, blue, ditto, ditto - for clarity.
Same
Similar in kind, quality, quantity, or degree
The ceremony went off with the same elegance that it has had every year.
Ditto
An informal expression of agreement.
“I think the movie was great!” “Ditto!”
Same
Conforming in every detail
According to the same rules as before.
Ditto
The same as stated above or before.
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).
Ditto
A duplicate; a copy.
Same
In the same way
The words sale and sail are pronounced the same.
Ditto
A pair of small marks ( " ) used to indicate that the word, phrase, or figure given above is to be repeated.
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.
Ditto
As before.
Same
Lacking variety from; indistinguishable.
Ditto
To duplicate (a document, for example).
Same
Similar, alike.
You have the same hair I do!
Ditto
That which was stated before, the aforesaid, the above, the same, likewise.
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.
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.
Same
A reply of confirmation of identity.
Ditto
(by extension) A copy; an imitation.
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.
Ditto
The ditto mark, 〃; a symbol, represented by two apostrophes, inverted commas, or quotation marks (" "), indicating that the item preceding is to be repeated.
Same
Together.
Ditto
A suit of clothes of the same colour throughout.
Same
The identical thing, ditto.
The same can be said of him.
It's the same everywhere.
Ditto
As said before, likewise.
Same
Something similar, something of the identical type.
She's having apple pie? I'll have the same.
You two are just the same.
Ditto
(transitive) To repeat the aforesaid, the earlier action etc.
Same
It or them, without a connotation of similarity.
The question is his credibility or lack of same.
Ditto
(US) To make a copy using a ditto machine.
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.
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!
Same
(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.
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.
Same
Not different or other; not another or others; identical; unchanged.
Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Ditto
As before, or aforesaid; in the same manner; also.
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.
Ditto
A mark used to indicate the word above it should be repeated
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.
Ditto
Repeat an action or statement;
The next speaker dittoed her argument
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
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
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
Same
Unchanged in character or nature;
The village stayed the same
His attitude is the same as ever
Same
In the same manner;
You get treated fairly, same as any other student in this course!
Same
Identical; not different.
We attended the same school.
Same
Unchanged in character or nature.
His attitude is the same as before.
Same
Equally matched or comparable.
The results were the same for both groups.
FAQs
Can "Same" denote agreement like "Ditto"?
While "Same" can indicate agreement, it doesn't always refer to a previous statement like "Ditto".
Is "Ditto" more conversational?
Yes, it's often used in casual conversations to express agreement.
Is "Ditto" ever used in formal writing?
Rarely. It's more suited to informal contexts.
Which word has a broader range of meanings?
"Same" has a broader range and can be used in various contexts.
Are both words commonly used in everyday language?
"Same" is more common, but "Ditto" is also widely recognized, especially in informal settings.
Can "Ditto" refer to an exact copy?
Yes, it can mean a duplicate or copy.
Can "Same" emphasize repetition?
Yes, especially when highlighting a recurring situation.
Can "Ditto" replace "Same" in all contexts?
No, "Ditto" is more informal and specific, while "Same" is broader in usage.
Is "Ditto" derived from another language?
Yes, it originates from Italian.
Is "Ditto" older than "Same"?
In terms of their origins, "Ditto" came later, derived from Italian, while "Same" has Old English roots.
Is "Same" always neutral in tone?
Mostly yes, but context can give it different connotations.
Which word is more versatile in sentences?
"Same" is more versatile due to its broader meaning and usage.
Do they have the same part of speech?
No, "Ditto" can be a noun or adverb, while "Same" can be an adjective or pronoun.
Can "Ditto" be used in lists?
Yes, it can be used to avoid repetition in lists.
Can "Same" be used in formal documents?
Yes, it's neutral in tone and suitable for various contexts.
Can "Same" refer to an identical individual?
Yes, as in "We are of the same kind."
Can "Ditto" be used to denote similarity?
It's more about repetition or agreement than mere similarity.
Is "Ditto" synonymous with "Likewise"?
In some contexts, both can express agreement, but they're not always interchangeable.
Can "Same" emphasize unchanged character or nature?
Yes, as in "The situation remains the same."
Is "Ditto" always informal?
Mostly, though its degree of informality can vary based on context.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
