Still vs. Yet: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 16, 2023
"Still" indicates an ongoing situation, while "Yet" signifies something expected or awaiting to occur.
Key Differences
"Still" is a versatile word, often employed to suggest the continuation of a particular situation or condition. When we say "It is still raining," we are expressing that the rain has not stopped and is ongoing. This term can also express surprise if something is taking longer than expected, as in "You're still working on that project?"
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Conversely, "Yet" implies an expectation or a point in time up until now. It often accompanies negative sentences or questions to denote something that hasn't occurred but is anticipated. For instance, when someone inquires, "Have you finished your work yet?" they're asking if you have completed your work up to this moment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
"Still" can also convey calmness or absence of movement. For example, "The water was still," describes a calm surface without ripples or waves. While "Still" can suggest continuity or steadiness, "Yet" consistently pertains to a point in time up to the present moment or the future.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Interestingly, both words can be used in the same sentence, each retaining its unique implication. Take the phrase, "I still haven't received the package yet." Here, "Still" indicates the ongoing state of not having received the package, while "Yet" emphasizes the expected receipt of it up to now.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Despite the differences between "Still" and "Yet," their accurate application can subtly shift the nuance of a sentence. By discerning their distinct meanings, one can convey precise temporal relations and expectations in their statements.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Position in Sentence
Often mid-sentence
Usually at the end of questions or negative sentences
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
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Still and Yet Definitions
Still
Indicating the continuation of a situation
. He is still at the office.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Still
Yet, even with that being the case.
The path was challenging, still, he persisted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Still
Not moving or in motion
The patient must be still for the doctor to work.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Still
Free from disturbance, agitation, or commotion
The still waters of the lake.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Making or characterized by no sound or faint sound
The crowd cheered and then grew still.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
And despite this; nevertheless
She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
A still photograph, especially one taken from a scene of a movie and used for promotional purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
In negative or interrogative use, often with an expectation or potential of something happening in the future.
I haven't finished yet.
Have you finished yet?
We do not yet know what happened.
He has never yet been late for an appointment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
An apparatus for distilling liquids, such as alcohols, consisting of a vessel in which the substance is vaporized by heat and a cooling device in which the vapor is condensed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
In negative imperative use, asking for an action to be delayed.
Don't switch it on yet – wait until I've reconnected the pump.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Not as of the time referenced.
I’ve yet to see him. — I have not yet seen him.
I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.
They are yet to win a single match. — They have not yet won a single match.
He seemed yet to be convinced. — He seemed not yet to have been convinced.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.
I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
To make quiet; silence
"a ... cold wind that stilled even the chorus of insects" (David Campbell).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
In addition; further; besides; over and above; still.
This furnishes us with yet one more reason why our savior, lays such a particular stress acts of mercy.
The rapine is made yet blacker by the pretense of piety and justice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.
Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Even; - used emphatically.
Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
(not comparable) Having the same stated quality continuously from a past time
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.
Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Up to the present time;
I have yet to see the results
Details are yet to be worked out
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time;
So far he hasn't called
The sun isn't up yet
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
(aspect) Up to a time, as in the preceding time.
Is it still raining?
It was still raining five minutes ago.
We've seen most of the sights, but we are still visiting the museum.
I’m still not wise enough to answer that.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Within an indefinite time or at an unspecified future time;
He will understand eventually
He longed for the flowers that were yet to show themselves
Sooner or later you will have to face the facts
In time they came to accept the harsh reality
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
(degree) To an even greater degree. Used to modify comparative adjectives or adverbs.
Tom is tall; Dick is taller; Harry is still taller / Harry is taller still.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Used after a superlative;
This is the best so far
The largest drug bust yet
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
(conjunctive) Nevertheless.
I’m not hungry, but I’ll still manage to find room for dessert.
Yeah, but still...
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Yet
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
(catering) The area in a restaurant used to make tea and coffee, separate from the main kitchen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Uttering no sound; silent; as, the audience is still; the animals are still.
The sea that roared at thy command,At thy command was still.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Not disturbed by noise or agitation; quiet; calm; as, a still evening; a still atmosphere.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
A vessel, boiler, or copper used in the distillation of liquids; specifically, one used for the distillation of alcoholic liquors; a retort. The name is sometimes applied to the whole apparatus used in in vaporization and condensation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
To this time; until and during the time now present; now no less than before; yet.
It hath been anciently reported, and is still received.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
In continuation by successive or repeated acts; always; ever; constantly; uniformly.
The desire of fame betrays an ambitious man into indecencies that lessen his reputation; he is still afraid lest any of his actions should be thrown away in private.
Chemists would be rich if they could still do in great quantities what they have sometimes done in little.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
In an increasing or additional degree; even more; - much used with comparatives.
The guilt being great, the fear doth still exceed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Notwithstanding what has been said or done; in spite of what has occured; nevertheless; - sometimes used as a conjunction. See Synonym of But.
As sunshine, broken in the rill,Though turned astray, is sunshine still.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
After that; after what is stated.
In the primitive church, such as by fear being compelled to sacrifice to strange gods, after repented, and kept still the office of preaching the gospel.
And like the watchful minutes to the hour,Still and anon cheered up the heavy time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
To stop, as motion or agitation; to cause to become quiet, or comparatively quiet; to check the agitation of; as, to still the raging sea.
He having a full sway over the water, had power to still and compose it, as well as to move and disturb it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
To stop, as noise; to silence.
With his name the mothers still their babies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
To appease; to calm; to quiet, as tumult, agitation, or excitement; as, to still the passions.
Toil that would, at least, have stilled an unquiet impulse in me.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
A static photograph (especially one taken from a movie and used for advertising purposes);
He wanted some stills for a magazine ad
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
An apparatus used for the distillation of liquids; consists of a vessel in which a substance is vaporized by heat and a condenser where the vapor is condensed
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Cause to be quiet or not talk;
Please silence the children in the church!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Lessen the intensity of or calm;
The news eased my conscience
Still the fears
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Marked by absence of sound;
A silent house
Soundless footsteps on the grass
The night was still
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Free from disturbance;
A ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
The quiet waters of a lagoon
A lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
A smooth channel crossing
Scarcely a ripple on the still water
Unruffled water
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Used of pictures; of a single or static photograph not presented so as to create the illusion of motion; or representing objects not capable of motion;
A still photograph
Cezanne's still life of apples
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
With reference to action or condition; without change, interruption, or cessation;
It's still warm outside
Will you still love me when we're old and grey?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Without moving or making a sound;
He sat still as a statue
Time stood still
They waited stock-still outside the door
He couldn't hold still any longer
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Still
Signifying calmness or absence of movement.
The night was still and quiet.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Still
Used to emphasize a contrast.
She was tired, but still, she continued working.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Still
Up to and including the present.
They are still best friends after all these years.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
When is "Yet" commonly used?
Often in negative sentences or questions about expected events.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Is "Still" about the present?
Yes, it indicates an ongoing situation in the present.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
How does "Yet" imply expectation?
It signifies something hasn't happened but is anticipated.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Does "Yet" always denote incompleteness?
Often, but it can also mean "even" or "however."
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Can "Still" indicate surprise?
Yes, expressing something is taking longer than expected.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Does "Still" always come before the verb?
Often, but not always, like in "The night was still."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Can "Still" and "Yet" be in the same sentence?
Yes, like "I still haven't done it yet."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Is "Yet" used in positive statements?
Rarely, it's typically in negative statements or questions.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Can "Still" be synonymous with "However"?
In some contexts, like "It's hard; still, I'll try."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Does "Still" always suggest time?
Often, but it can also indicate calmness or contrast.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
Where is "Yet" typically positioned?
Usually at the end of questions or negative sentences.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Is "Yet" synonymous with "So far"?
In some contexts, they can convey similar meanings.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
Does "Yet" always follow a negative?
Often, but it can also indicate a further factor or contrast.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
What does "Not yet" imply?
It means something expected hasn't occurred up to now.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
Can "Yet" be about the future?
Yes, suggesting something will eventually happen.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023
Can "Still" indicate persistence?
Yes, suggesting continuity despite challenges.
Janet White
Nov 16, 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.
