Plot vs. Lot: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 7, 2023
"Plot" can refer to a storyline or a piece of land, while "Lot" primarily denotes a parcel of land or a large quantity of items.
Key Differences
"Plot" and "Lot" both can refer to land, but they have diverse nuances and additional meanings. While a "Plot" might often indicate a specific, smaller piece of land, a "Lot" could refer to a designated piece of property, often in a subdivision or city.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Beyond land, "Plot" has a significant association with stories and narratives. When discussing literature, movies, or plays, the "Plot" refers to the sequence of events that constitute the main story. Conversely, "Lot" doesn't share this narrative connotation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
"Lot" also has a meaning tied to quantity or destiny. For example, in auctions or sales, items might be sold in "Lots" which means in groups or batches. Similarly, referring to one's "lot in life" speaks to their fate or destiny. "Plot" lacks these implications.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
When discussing geography or land development, both "Plot" and "Lot" can be used interchangeably to some extent, but their specific connotations might differ based on regional usage or local real estate jargon.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
In summary, while both "Plot" and "Lot" can denote areas of land, they diverge significantly in their additional meanings, with "Plot" leaning towards narratives and "Lot" to quantities or fate.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
A plan, map, diagram, or scheme
A parcel of land having fixed boundaries
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Secondary Meaning
Sequence of events in a story
A group of similar or related items
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Size Connotation
Often suggests a smaller piece of land
Can be any size, often used for larger parcels in subdivisions
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Usage in Narratives
Refers to the main events or structure of a story
Does not pertain to story structure
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Additional Connotations
Can indicate a conspiracy or scheme
Refers to fate or destiny ("one's lot in life")
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Plot and Lot Definitions
Plot
A piece of land for a specific purpose.
She bought a plot to build her dream home.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Lot
A large number or amount; a great deal.
She has a lot of books in her collection.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Plot
A plan made in secret by a group.
The detectives uncovered a plot to rob the bank.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Lot
An item or set of items for sale at an auction.
The next lot up for bidding is a collection of vintage stamps.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Plot
A graph showing the relation between two variables.
The scatter plot indicated a strong correlation between the variables.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Plot
A small piece of ground, generally used for a specific purpose
A garden plot.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A division of items for the purpose of distribution or classification.
Each lot of manufactured goods underwent quality testing.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Lot
A large extent, amount, or number
Is in a lot of trouble.
Has lots of friends.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
Used adverbially to mean "to a great degree or extent" or "frequently"
Felt a lot better.
Ran lots faster.
Doesn't go out a whole lot.
Has seen her lots lately.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A number of associated people or things
Placating an angry lot of tenants.
Kids who were a noisy lot.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
The pattern or sequence of interrelated events in a work of fiction, as a novel or film.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
Miscellaneous articles sold as one unit
A lot of stamps sold at an auction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A piece of land having specific boundaries, especially one constituting a part of a city, town, or block.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
To write or develop the plot of
"I began plotting novels at about the time I learned to read" (James Baldwin).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
To form a plot for; prearrange secretly or deviously
Plot an assassination.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
An object used in making a determination or choice at random
Casting lots to see who will go first.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
To form or take part in a plot; scheme
Were plotting for months before the attack.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
The use of objects in making a determination or choice at random
Chosen by lot.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
To write or develop the plot for a work of fiction
A good mystery writer must plot well.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
(narratology) The course of a story, comprising a series of incidents which are gradually unfolded, sometimes by unexpected means.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
One's fortune in life; one's fate
It was her lot to struggle for years in obscurity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
A graph or diagram drawn by hand or produced by a mechanical or electronic device.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
A secret plan to achieve an end, the end or means usually being illegal or otherwise questionable.
The plot would have enabled them to get a majority on the board.
The assassination of Lincoln was part of a larger plot.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A large quantity or number; a great deal.
To spend a lot of money
Lots of people think so
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A separate portion; a number of things taken collectively.
A lot of stationery
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
One or more items auctioned or sold as a unit, separate from other items.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
Attractive physical attributes of characters involved in a story, originating from ironic juxtaposition with the original meaning (course of the story).
I'm not sure what's happening in that show, I mainly watch it for the plot.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
To conceive (a crime, misdeed etc).
They had plotted a robbery.
They were plotting against the king.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A distinct portion or plot of land, usually smaller than a field.
A building lot in a city
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
(transitive) To trace out (a graph or diagram).
They plotted the number of edits per day.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
(transitive) To mark (a point on a graph, chart, etc).
Every five minutes they plotted their position.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
Anything (as a die, pebble, ball, or slip of paper) used in determining a question by chance, or without human choice or will.
To cast lots
To draw lots
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
The part, or fate, that falls to one, as it were, by chance, or without one's planning.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
Any scheme, stratagem, secret design, or plan, of a complicated nature, adapted to the accomplishment of some purpose, usually a treacherous and mischievous one; a conspiracy; an intrigue; as, the Rye-house Plot.
I have overheard a plot of death.
O, think what anxious moments pass betweenThe birth of plots and their last fatal periods!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
All members of a set; everything.
The table was loaded with food, but by evening there was nothing but crumbs; we had eaten the lot.
If I were in charge, I'd fire the lot of them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
A share in such a plot or scheme; a participation in any stratagem or conspiracy.
And when Christ saith, Who marries the divorced commits adultery, it is to be understood, if he had any plot in the divorce.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
(historic) An old unit of weight used in many European countries from the Middle Ages, often defined as 1/30 or 1/32 of a (local) pound.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
In fiction, the story of a play, novel, romance, or poem, comprising a complication of incidents which are gradually unfolded, sometimes by unexpected means.
If the plot or intrigue must be natural, and such as springs from the subject, then the winding up of the plot must be a probable consequence of all that went before.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
That which happens without human design or forethought; chance; accident; hazard; fortune; fate.
But save my life, which lot before your foot doth lay.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
To make a plot, map, pr plan, of; to mark the position of on a plan; to delineate.
This treatise plotteth down Cornwall as it now standeth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
Anything (as a die, pebble, ball, or slip of paper) used in determining a question by chance, or without man's choice or will; as, to cast or draw lots.
The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
If we draw lots, he speeds.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
To form a scheme of mischief against another, especially against a government or those who administer it; to conspire.
The wicked plotteth against the just.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
The part, or fate, which falls to one, as it were, by chance, or without his planning.
O visions ill foreseen! Each day's lot'sEnough to bear.
He was but born to tryThe lot of man - to suffer and to die.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
To contrive a plan or stratagem; to scheme.
The prince did plot to be secretly gone.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A separate portion; a number of things taken collectively; all objects sold in a single purchase transaction; as, a lot of stationery; - colloquially, sometimes of people; as, a sorry lot; a bad lot.
I, this winter, met with a very large lot of English heads, chiefly of the reign of James I.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A distinct portion or plot of land, usually smaller than a field; as, a building lot in a city.
The defendants leased a house and lot in the city of New York.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
A secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal);
They concocted a plot to discredit the governor
I saw through his little game from the start
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A large quantity or number; a great deal; as, to spend a lot of money; to waste a lot of time on line; lots of people think so.
He wrote to her . . . he might be detained in London by a lot of business.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
A small area of ground covered by specific vegetation;
A bean plot
A cabbage patch
A briar patch
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
The story that is told in a novel or play or movie etc.;
The characters were well drawn but the plot was banal
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
(often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent;
A batch of letters
A deal of trouble
A lot of money
He made a mint on the stock market
It must have cost plenty
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
Plan secretly, usually something illegal;
They plotted the overthrow fo the government
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
Make a schematic or technical drawing of that shows how things work or how they are constructed
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);
Whatever my fortune may be
Deserved a better fate
Has a happy lot
The luck of the Irish
A victim of circumstances
Success that was her portion
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
The main events or structure of a story.
The plot of the novel was thrilling and unpredictable.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Lot
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Plot
A small section in a cemetery.
He visited his grandmother's plot every year.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Lot
Anything (straws or pebbles etc.) taken or chosen at random;
The luck of the draw
They drew lots for it
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
(Old Testament) nephew of Abraham; God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah but chose to spare Lot and his family who were told to flee without looking back at the destruction
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
Administer or bestow, as in small portions;
Administer critical remarks to everyone present
Dole out some money
Shell out pocket money for the children
Deal a blow to someone
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Lot
A parcel of land having fixed boundaries.
They bought a lot in the new subdivision.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Can "Plot" relate to a story?
Yes, "Plot" can refer to the sequence of events in a narrative.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Is "Lot" used in auctions?
Yes, "Lot" can refer to items grouped together for sale in auctions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Does "Plot" suggest a smaller area than "Lot"?
While it can, it's not a strict rule, and context matters.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can "Lot" refer to fate?
Yes, referring to one's "lot in life" speaks to their fate or destiny.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Is a "Plot" always a secretive plan?
No, while it can mean a secretive scheme, context is essential.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Do "Plot" and "Lot" both refer to land?
Yes, both can refer to specific pieces or parcels of land.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Can "Lot" be used in a religious context?
Yes, "Lot" can denote fate and is sometimes used in religious narratives.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Can "Lot" be informal when referring to quantity?
Yes, "a lot of" is an informal way to denote a large amount.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Does "Plot" have a conspiratorial connotation?
Yes, "Plot" can indicate a secret plan or scheme.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can "Lot" suggest a large quantity?
Yes, "Lot" can denote a large number or amount of items.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Do both words have multiple meanings?
Yes, both "Plot" and "Lot" have diverse definitions depending on context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Can "Plot" refer to graphs?
Yes, "Plot" can mean a graph showcasing the relationship between variables.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Is a "Lot" always a large piece of land?
Not always; the size implication varies by context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Is a burial site referred to as a "Plot"?
Yes, a specific section in a cemetery can be called a "Plot."
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Can a "Lot" refer to items grouped for testing?
Yes, a "Lot" can be a batch or group of items for classification or testing.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Do both "Plot" and "Lot" derive from Old English?
Both have old origins, with "Plot" possibly from Old English and "Lot" from Old Dutch or Old English.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
In real estate, which is more specific, "Plot" or "Lot"?
It can vary by region, but often "Plot" might indicate a specific piece and "Lot" a designated property.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Does "Plot" always suggest a narrative structure?
No, but it's a primary meaning when discussing literature or films.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Are "Plot" and "Lot" always interchangeable?
No, especially when "Plot" relates to narratives or "Lot" refers to fate or large quantities.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Is "Plot" solely an English term?
While its primary usage is in English, its origins and variants exist in other languages.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 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.
