Item vs. Thing: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 11, 2023
A distinct, individual article or unit. An object, entity, or concept not specifically named.
Key Differences
The words "item" and "thing" are often utilized interchangeably in colloquial English but bear distinct nuances. An item generally refers to a particular, distinct object or unit, often within a group or list. Conversely, a thing is a more general term, applicable to virtually any object, entity, or concept, irrespective of its distinctiveness or specificity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
When speaking of an item, one generally refers to something specific and countable, something that might be enumerated or listed. This quality provides "item" with a precise nature, making it suitable for discussing objects in a detailed manner. On the other hand, a thing can be much vaguer, potentially referring to objects, ideas, situations, or phenomena, making it a more universal, albeit less precise, term.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
In retail or sales contexts, one often encounters the term "item" as it indicates a specific product or unit available for sale. This use underscores the item’s identity as a singular, identifiable unit within inventory or a catalog. The term "thing," however, does not confer the same level of specificity and would seldom be used in an inventory or sales listing due to its generic nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
In everyday communication, the word "thing" can be seen as more versatile. It might refer not only to physical objects (like items) but also to abstract concepts, situations, or entities whose name might be unknown or irrelevant. Whereas, "item" remains anchored to discussing particular, distinct objects, typically those that are tangible and countable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Legal or formal documents often utilize "item" when detailing lists or inventories, owing to its precision and specificity. "Thing," despite its broad application in daily language, tends to be avoided in formal or legal contexts due to its ambiguity and generality, which could lead to misinterpretations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific, identifiable unit or object.
A general term for objects or entities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Usage in Retail
Commonly used (e.g., sales item).
Rarely used due to vagueness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Use in Formal Language
Preferred due to specificity.
Less preferred due to generality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Abstract Concepts
Seldom used to denote abstractions.
Can denote tangible and intangible entities.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
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Item and Thing Definitions
Item
An individual article or unit for sale.
This item is currently available at a discounted price.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Thing
An unspecified object or entity.
Could you pass me that thing over there?
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Item
A piece of news or information.
The reporter shared an interesting item about the event.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Item
An individual element in a list.
Please pick up every item on the grocery list.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
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Item
A specific topic or issue to be discussed.
The next item on the agenda is the budget review.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Thing
A particular matter of interest or concern.
The environment is a thing we should all care about.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Thing
An object or entity that is not or cannot be named specifically
What is this thing for?.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
An individual object, especially an inanimate object
There wasn't a thing in sight.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A romantically involved couple
"[They] soon began seeing each other ... and were an item for a year and a half." (Peter J. Boyer).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
Also; likewise. Used to introduce each article in an enumeration or list.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
Things Possessions, including clothing; belongings
Pack your things.
It's time to go.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
Often things(Law) That which can be possessed or owned
Things personal.
Things real.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A distinct physical object.
Tweezers are great for manipulating small items.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A line of text having a legal or other meaning; a separate particular in an account.
The items in a bill
In response to the first item, we deny all wrongdoing.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
(psychometrics) A question on a test, which may include its answers.
The exam has 100 items, each of which includes a correct response and three distractors.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A matter for discussion in an agenda.
The first item for discussion is the budget for next year's picnic.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
(informal) Two people who are having a romantic or sexual relationship with each other.
Jack and Jill are an item.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
An end or objective
In blackjack, the thing is to get nearest to 21 without going over.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A particular state of affairs; a situation
Let's deal with this thing promptly.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
Things The general state of affairs; conditions
"Beneath the smooth surface of things, something was wrong" (Tom Wicker).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
An article; a separate particular in an account; as, the items in a bill; he picked up four items at the drug store.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
(Informal) A persistent feeling, interest, desire, or aversion
She has a thing for him and keeps talking about him. I have a thing about seafood and never eat it.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A hint; an innuendo.
A secret item was given to some of the bishops . . . to absent themselves.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
(Slang) An activity uniquely suitable and satisfying to one
Let him do his own thing. Mountain climbing is really my thing.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A short article in a newspaper; a paragraph; as, an item concerning the weather.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
(Informal) Used to refer to something with disapproval or contempt
Where did you get that thing? I wouldn't drive that thing if you paid me.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A topic or piece of information having the salacious character of gossip, especially a romantic relation between two people; as, I hear that the boss and his new secretary are an item.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
That which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list;
He noticed an item in the New York Times
She had several items on her shopping list
The main point on the agenda was taken up first
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A whole individual unit; especially when included in a list or collection;
They reduced the price on many items
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A small part that can be considered separately from the whole;
It was perfect in all details
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
An isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole;
Several of the details are similar
A point of information
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
An individual instance of a type of symbol;
The word`error' contains three tokens of `r'
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
(used when listing or enumerating items) also;
A length of chain, item a hook
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
(in the plural) Clothes, possessions or equipment.
Hold on, let me just grab my things.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Item
A single article or unit in a collection.
The museum displayed a rare item from ancient Egypt.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Thing
(informal) A unit or container, usually containing edible goods.
Get me a thing of apple juice at the store;
I just ate a whole thing of jelly beans
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
(informal) A problem, dilemma, or complicating factor.
The car looks cheap, but the thing is, I have doubts about its safety.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A living being or creature.
You poor thing
Sweet young thing
She's a funny old thing, but her heart's in the right place
I met a pretty blond thing at the bar
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
That which matters; the crux.
That's the thing: we don't know where he went;
The thing is, I don't have any money
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
Used after a noun to refer dismissively to the situation surrounding the noun's referent.
Oh yeah, I'm supposed to promote that vision thing.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
(informal) That which is favoured; personal preference. (Used in possessive constructions.)
It's not really my thing
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
(informal, with do) One's typical routine, habits, or manner. (Used in possessive constructions.)
Let me do my thing;
I'm here doing my thing
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
(informal) A romantic couple.
Are John and Jennifer a thing again? I thought they broke up.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
Whatever exists, or is conceived to exist, as a separate entity, whether animate or inanimate; any separable or distinguishable object of thought.
God made . . . every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind.
He sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
An inanimate object, in distinction from a living being; any lifeless material.
Ye meads and groves, unconscious things!
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A transaction or occurrence; an event; a deed.
[And Jacob said] All these things are against me.
Which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A portion or part; something.
Wicked men who understand any thing of wisdom.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A diminutive or slighted object; any object viewed as merely existing; - often used in pity or contempt.
See, sons, what things you are!
The poor thing sighed, and . . . turned from me.
I'll be this abject thing no more.
I have a thing in prose.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
Clothes; furniture; appurtenances; luggage; as, to pack or store one's things.
And them she gave her moebles and her thing.
In the garden [he] walketh to and fro,And hath his things [i. e., prayers, devotions] said full courteously.
Hearkening his minstrels their things play.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
Whatever may be possessed or owned; a property; - distinguished from person.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
In Scandinavian countries, a legislative or judicial assembly; - used, esp. in composition, in titles of such bodies. See Legislature, Norway.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A statement regarded as an object;
To say the same thing in other terms
How can you say such a thing?
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
Any attribute or quality considered as having its own existence;
The thing I like about her is ...
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A vaguely specified concern;
Several matters to attend to
It is none of your affair
Things are going well
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
An entity that is not named specifically;
I couldn't tell what the thing was
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
Thing
A persistent illogical feeling of desire or aversion;
He has a thing about seafood
She has a thing about him
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 09, 2023
FAQs
How can "Thing" be generally defined?
"Thing" is a generic term for an object or entity, often used when the exact name is unknown or irrelevant.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Item" be used in a general sense like "Thing"?
No, "Item" usually refers to a specific object or unit and is not as generic as "Thing."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
What is a simple definition of "Item"?
"Item" refers to a distinct, individual unit or entity, often part of a list or collection.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is "Item" often used to refer to elements in a list?
Yes, "Item" is commonly used to denote individual elements within a list or enumeration.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Is "Item" commonly used in retail and commerce?
Yes, "Item" is often used to describe a particular unit or product available for sale.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Thing" be used in formal contexts?
Generally no, due to its vague and general nature, "Thing" is less suitable for formal use.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Is "Thing" countable or uncountable?
"Thing" can be both countable (e.g., three things) and uncountable when referring to a concept.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Thing" denote abstract concepts?
Yes, "Thing" can refer to tangible objects as well as intangible concepts or situations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Is "Thing" ever used to denote people?
Colloquially, yes. E.g., "She’s the real thing" – though it’s informal and context-dependent.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
How is "Thing" typically utilized in daily communication?
"Thing" is used broadly in daily talk to refer to objects, ideas, situations, or activities.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Item" describe a condition in formal agreements?
Yes, "Item" may detail specific conditions, points, or clauses in formal documents or agreements.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
How does "Thing" function grammatically in a sentence?
"Thing" can serve as a noun, often being the subject or object within a sentence.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
How might "Item" appear in legal or formal documents?
"Item" might be used to refer to specific articles or units, especially in inventories or lists.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Is "Thing" used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, "Thing" appears in idioms like "do the right thing" or "the real thing," symbolizing correct action or authenticity, respectively.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Does "Item" appear in any idiomatic expressions?
Yes, e.g., "line item" in budgeting, where "Item" refers to a particular entry in a linear list.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Item" refer to news or information?
Yes, "Item" can refer to a piece of news or information, especially in journalistic contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Thing" refer to a creature or organism?
Yes, "Thing" can loosely refer to living entities, especially in informal or speculative talk.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Item" indicate a topic for discussion?
Yes, "Item" may denote a particular point or topic in discussions, particularly in agendas.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Thing" imply a level of importance?
Yes, as in "the thing is," where "Thing" is used to introduce a statement or point of significance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is "Item" ever used to denote an intangible concept?
Rarely, as "Item" usually refers to a tangible object or a specific piece of information.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 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.
