Gates vs. Gate: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 22, 2023
"Gates" is the plural form of "Gate," which refers to a barrier used to close an opening.
Key Differences
Both "Gates" and "Gate" fundamentally refer to the same concept—a structure that closes an opening. However, "Gates" is simply the plural form, implying multiple such barriers, while "Gate" refers to just one.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
When you hear the term "Gates," it suggests multiple entry or exit points. For instance, an airport might have several gates for different flights. On the other hand, "Gate" might reference a specific entry or exit point within that larger structure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
In literature or figurative speech, "Gates" often signifies numerous opportunities or pathways. "Gate," however, might symbolize a single, pivotal moment or opportunity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
There can be confusion when "Gates" is used in a singular possessive form, such as in names (like "Bill Gates's company"). Here, "Gates" isn't referring to multiple barriers but is instead part of a proper noun. "Gate," being singular, doesn't present this complexity.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
In summary, while both "Gates" and "Gate" revolve around the idea of a barrier or entrance, their primary distinction is in number—one vs. multiple.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Figurative Meaning
Several opportunities or pathways
A single pivotal moment or opportunity
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
Possessive Complexity
Can be confusing in possessive singular (e.g., names)
Straightforward in its singular form
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Definition
Barriers used to close multiple openings
A barrier used to close an opening
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Gates and Gate Definitions
Gate
A hinged barrier used to close an opening in a wall or fence.
She walked through the garden gate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Gates
Several points of access or egress.
The festival had gates on both the north and south sides.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Gates
Numerous checkpoints or terminals.
The airport announced upgrades to several gates.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Gate
A framework for holding a saw or cutting tool.
He secured the wood in the cutting gate.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Gates
Various barriers to entry in a field or industry.
She had to navigate the gates of the publishing world.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Gate
A structure that can be swung, drawn, or lowered to block an entrance or a passageway.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gates
Multiple specific moments or opportunities.
He faced the gates of decision in his life.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Gate
The structure surrounding such an opening, such as the monumental or fortified entrance to a palace or walled city.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gates
United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A doorway or walkway in a terminal, as at an airport, through which passengers proceed when embarking or disembarking.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
The total paid attendance or admission receipts at a public event
A good gate at the football game.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A device for controlling the passage of water or gas through a dam or conduit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
The channel through which molten metal flows into a shaped cavity of a mold.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(Sports) A passage between two upright poles through which a skier must go in a slalom race.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
Chiefly British To confine (a student) to the grounds of a college as punishment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(Electronics) To select part of (a wave) for transmission, reception, or processing by magnitude or time interval.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
To furnish with a gate
"The entrance to the rear lawn was also gated" (Dean Koontz).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
Movable barrier.
The gate in front of the railroad crossing went up after the train had passed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
Passageway (as in an air terminal) where passengers can embark or disembark.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A location which serves as a conduit for transport, migration, or trade.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
The amount of money made by selling tickets to a concert or a sports event.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(computing) A logical pathway made up of switches which turn on or off. Examples are and, or, nand, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(electronics) The controlling terminal of a field effect transistor (FET).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
In a lock tumbler, the opening for the stump of the bolt to pass through or into.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(metalworking) The channel or opening through which metal is poured into the mould; the ingate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
The waste piece of metal cast in the opening; a sprue or sullage piece. Also written geat and git.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(cricket) The gap between a batsman's bat and pad.
Singh was bowled through the gate, a very disappointing way for a world-class batsman to get out.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(cinematography) A mechanism, in a film camera and projector, that holds each frame momentarily stationary behind the aperture.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(flow cytometry) A line that separates particle type-clusters on two-dimensional dot plots.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A tally mark consisting of four vertical bars crossed by a diagonal, representing a count of five.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A street; now used especially as a combining form to make the name of a street e.g. "Briggate" (a common street name in the north of England meaning "Bridge Street") or Kirkgate meaning "Church Street".
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(transitive) To punish, especially a child or teenager, by not allowing them to go out.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
(transitive) To turn (an image intensifier) on and off selectively as needed, or to avoid damage from excessive light exposure. See autogating.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A large door or passageway in the wall of a city, of an inclosed field or place, or of a grand edifice, etc.; also, the movable structure of timber, metal, etc., by which the passage can be closed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
An opening for passage in any inclosing wall, fence, or barrier; or the suspended framework which closes or opens a passage. Also, figuratively, a means or way of entrance or of exit.
Knowest thou the way to Dover?Both stile and gate, horse way and footpath.
Opening a gate for a long war.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A door, valve, or other device, for stopping the passage of water through a dam, lock, pipe, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
The places which command the entrances or access; hence, place of vantage; power; might.
The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
In a lock tumbler, the opening for the stump of the bolt to pass through or into.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
The channel or opening through which metal is poured into the mold; the ingate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A way; a path; a road; a street (as in Highgate).
I was going to be an honest man; but the devil has this very day flung first a lawyer, and then a woman, in my gate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
To punish by requiring to be within the gates at an earlier hour than usual.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A computer circuit with several inputs but only one output that can be activated by particular combinations of inputs
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
Passageway (as in an air terminal) where passengers can embark or disembark
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
Restrict (school boys') movement to the dormitory or campus as a means of punishment
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Gate
A checkpoint or terminal for passengers to board flights.
His flight departs from gate B3.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Gate
An electronic circuit with several inputs but only one output.
The AND gate is fundamental in digital circuits.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Does "Gate" always indicate a physical structure?
Mostly, but it can also be figurative, like "gate to success."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
Can "Gates" refer to just one barrier?
Typically no, but it can appear singular in proper names or possessive forms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
Is "Gate" ever pluralized?
Yes, as "Gates" when referring to multiple barriers.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Can "Gates" refer to doors?
Sometimes, but "Gate" typically implies a larger or outdoor barrier.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Is "Gates" used in electronic terminology?
Typically, "Gate" is used, as in "AND gate" in digital circuits.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
Can "Gates" refer to moments or opportunities?
Yes, it can be used figuratively, but usually indicates multiple instances.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Can "Gate" be used in naming?
Yes, as seen in names like "Golden Gate Bridge."
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Can "Gate" imply security or restriction?
Yes, it can symbolize a point of access or barrier.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Do all airports have "Gates"?
Most do, as points for passengers to board flights.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Can "Gates" symbolize challenges?
Figuratively, yes, indicating multiple barriers or challenges.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Can a stadium have multiple "Gates"?
Absolutely, for different entry and exit points.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 22, 2023
Is "Gates" only used for barriers?
While commonly so, it can also be figurative or part of names.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Can "Gate" be used in technology?
Yes, especially in electronics and digital circuits.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Is there a cultural significance to "Gate"?
In some cultures, it can symbolize transitions or pivotal moments.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Is a "Gate" always made of metal?
No, they can be made of wood, metal, or other materials.
Janet White
Oct 22, 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.
