Exclude vs. Include: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
Exclude means to deliberately omit or leave out, while Include refers to adding or encompassing something as a part.

Key Differences
The terms "Exclude" and "Include" represent two opposites in terms of involving elements or entities in a particular context or set. To exclude denotes intentionally leaving out or not allowing someone or something to be involved or considered. In contrast, to include means ensuring that someone or something is part of or involved in something, such as a group or an activity.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
When you "Exclude" something or someone, you make a conscious choice to leave them out of a particular scenario or situation. In contrast, when you "Include" something or someone, you are ensuring that they are a part of a particular scenario or collection. Both actions are intentional but sit on opposite sides of the inclusion spectrum.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
In various contexts, "Exclude" could symbolize rejection or omission, presenting a negative connotation since it represents the act of leaving something or someone out intentionally. On the contrary, "Include" is generally perceived positively as it signifies acceptance, embracing something or someone as a part of a whole or group.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
The notion of "Exclude" primarily conveys a deliberate act of omitting or leaving out, which can be applied in various contexts, whether in social scenarios, data handling, or any other relevant situation. Meanwhile, to "Include" refers to taking active measures to involve, insert, or consider something as part of a larger whole or during a situation.

Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Often, to "Exclude" is to create a boundary that deliberately leaves certain elements or individuals outside of it. On the flip side, to "Include" is to eliminate such boundaries, ensuring that elements or individuals are accepted and considered part of a particular set or situation.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
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Exclude and Include Definitions
Exclude
Exclude means to deny access or entry.
Minors are excluded from the bar.

Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Include
Include means to add as part.
Please include your name in the application.

Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Exclude
Exclude involves not allowing participation.
The coach decided to exclude him from the team.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Include
Include entails considering in the computation.
Don’t forget to include the bonuses in the total.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Exclude
Exclude refers to deliberately omit.
We had to exclude some data from the analysis.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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Exclude
Exclude signifies leaving out a portion.
Exclude the outliers from the dataset.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Include
To consider as part of or allow into a group or class
Thanked the host for including us.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
Exclude represents rejecting or not considering.
She chose to exclude her early works from the exhibition.

Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Include
To bring into a group, class, set, or total as a (new) part or member.
I will purchase the vacation package if you will include car rental.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
To prevent from entering; keep out; bar
A jar sealed to exclude outside air.
An immigration policy that excludes undesirables.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
To consider as part of something; to comprehend.
The vacation package includes car rental.
Does this volume of Shakespeare include his sonnets?
I was included in the invitation to the family gathering.
Up to and including page twenty-five

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
To prevent from being included, considered, or accepted; reject
The court excluded the improperly obtained evidence.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
(transitive) To bar (someone or something) from entering; to keep out.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
(programming) To use a directive that allows the use of source code from another file.
You have to include the strings library to use this function.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
(transitive) To expel; to put out.
To exclude young animals from the womb or from eggs

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
(programming) A piece of source code or other content that is dynamically retrieved for inclusion in another item.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
(transitive) To omit from consideration.
Count from 1 to 30, but exclude the prime numbers.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
To confine within; to hold; to contain; to shut up; to inclose; as, the shell of a nut includes the kernel; a pearl is included in a shell.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
To comprehend or comprise, as a genus the species, the whole a part, an argument or reason the inference; to contain; to embrace; as, this volume of Shakespeare includes his sonnets; he was included in the invitation to the family; to and including page twenty-five.
The whole included race, his purposed prey.
The loss of such a lord includes all harm.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
To conclude; to end; to terminate.
Come, let us go; we will include all jarsWith triumphs, mirth, and rare solemnity.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
To shut out; to hinder from entrance or admission; to debar from participation or enjoyment; to deprive of; to except; - the opposite to admit; as, to exclude a crowd from a room or house; to exclude the light; to exclude one nation from the ports of another; to exclude a taxpayer from the privilege of voting.
And none but such, from mercy I exclude.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
Have as a part, be made up out of;
The list includes the names of many famous writers

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
To thrust out or eject; to expel; as, to exclude young animals from the womb or from eggs.

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
Prevent from being included or considered or accepted;
The bad results were excluded from the report
Leave off the top piece

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
Add as part of something else; put in as part of a set, group, or category;
We must include this chemical element in the group

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
Prevent from entering; shut out;
The trees were shutting out all sunlight
This policy excludes people who have a criminal record from entering the country

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
Allow participation in or the right to be part of; permit to exercise the rights, functions, and responsibilities of;
Admit someone to the profession
She was admitted to the New Jersey Bar

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Exclude
Lack or fail to include;
The cost for the trip excludes food and beverages

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
Include refers to allowing participation.
Everyone is included in the celebration.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Exclude
Prevent from entering; keep out;
He was barred from membership in the club

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
Include denotes being composed of or containing.
The price includes taxes.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Exclude
Put out or expel from a place;
The child was expelled from the classroom

Sawaira Riaz
Jan 07, 2023
Include
Include signifies involving in a group or structure.
The tour includes a visit to the museum.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
FAQs
Is "Include" the opposite of "Exclude"?
Yes, "Include" generally means to make someone or something a part of, which is the opposite of "Exclude."

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Include" always suggest a welcoming act?
Typically, yes. "Include" usually conveys an act of acceptance or involvement.

Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Exclude" imply a negative action?
Yes, "Exclude" can be perceived as negative since it involves intentionally leaving something or someone out.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Exclude" be used in various contexts?
Yes, "Exclude" can be used in diverse contexts like social, academic, technical, etc.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Include" related only to social contexts?
No, "Include" can also be used in various contexts, like programming, cooking, or data analysis.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Exclude" always indicate a permanent condition?
No, something excluded in one instance might be included in another.

Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Exclude" always require justification?
Not always, though excluding often might need explanation, depending on the context.

Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Include" utilized in computational processes?
Absolutely, "Include" is often used in coding, calculations, and algorithms.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Include" be used in the context of addition?
Yes, "Include" may refer to adding something to a list, group, or set.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
What does "Exclude" generally mean?
"Exclude" means to deliberately leave out or not include someone or something.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Exclude" be used in data filtering?
Yes, data points might be excluded to refine results.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Include" mean considering in discussions?
Yes, one might include a point in a discussion or argument.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Include" refer to temporary involvement?
Yes, something may be included for a specific time or purpose and excluded later.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Exclude" mean omitting an item in a list?
Yes, excluding can mean leaving an item off a list or set.

Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Include" refer to the incorporation of elements?
Yes, "Include" can mean incorporating elements, like ingredients in a recipe.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Include" imply an encompassing act?
Yes, "Include" may imply that what is being referred to encompasses or involves other elements.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Exclude" mean denying entry?
Yes, "Exclude" might mean preventing someone from entering a place.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Include" involve consideration in decision-making?
Yes, to include can mean considering factors or opinions in decisions.

Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Exclude" refer to social isolation?
Yes, "Exclude" can imply intentionally isolating or leaving someone out socially.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 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.
