Throughout vs. During: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 21, 2023
Throughout means in every part or during the entire time of something, while during refers to at some point or at various points in the time of something.
Key Differences
Throughout suggests a continuous presence or occurrence in every part or all through a time period, implying full coverage or extension. In contrast, during focuses on a specific time frame in which something happens, not necessarily covering the entire period.
The use of throughout often conveys a sense of completeness or entirety, as in being present or active in all parts or times of something. During, however, refers to something happening at a particular moment or period within a larger timeframe.
Throughout is used to describe an action or condition that is consistent or persistent over a time or place. On the other hand, during is used to pinpoint a particular phase or moment when something occurs.
In the context of distribution or occurrence, throughout denotes spread across every part, like events happening all over a place. Conversely, during indicates that something takes place within the bounds of a certain period, without implying it spans the entire duration.
Throughout can also imply repetition or regularity across a time span or area, whereas during simply situates an event or action within a specific timeframe without indicating repetition or uniform distribution.
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Coverage
Implies full duration or entirety
Refers to a specific moment or period
Spatial Distribution
Indicates occurrence in every part of a space
Does not imply spatial distribution
Frequency
Can imply repetition or regularity
Does not imply repetition
Usage Context
Used for complete or continuous presence
Used for events within a time frame
Connotation
Suggests thoroughness or all-encompassing
Indicates occurrence within limits
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Throughout and During Definitions
Throughout
From the beginning to the end of an event or period.
He was busy throughout the day.
During
At some point in the course of a period or event.
She fell asleep during the movie.
Throughout
Consistently during a specific time.
The team showed excellent performance throughout the season.
During
In the time of; throughout the course of.
During the summer, we visited several beaches.
Throughout
In every part or during the whole period of time.
She remained calm throughout the crisis.
During
Throughout the duration or existence of.
He learned French during his stay in Paris.
Throughout
All through a place or area.
The festival was celebrated throughout the city.
During
At a certain point within a given time frame.
They encountered difficulties during the project's early stages.
Throughout
In every part of a particular thing or place.
The book maintains suspense throughout its pages.
During
In the middle of or in the course of an event or time.
The power went out during the storm.
Throughout
In, to, through, or during every part of; all through
The road is kept open throughout the year.
During
Throughout the course or duration of
Suffered food shortages during the war.
Throughout
In or through all parts; everywhere
The material is flawed throughout.
During
At some time in
Was born during a blizzard.
Throughout
During the entire time or extent
Though unsure how her speech would be received, she remained calm and professional throughout.
During
For all of a given time interval.
I lived with my parents during the 1970s.
The shop was one of the few able to stay open during the war.
Throughout
In every part of; all through.
During
At any time or period within a given time interval.
I lived with my parents at several points during the 1980s.
Many of the best examples were produced during the Restoration.
Throughout
(obsolete) Completely through, right the way through.
During
Present participle of dure
Throughout
In every part; everywhere.
During
In the time of; as long as the action or existence of; as, during life; during the space of a year.
Throughout
During an entire period of time, the whole time.
Throughout
Quite through; from one extremity to the other of; also, every part of; as, to search throughout the house.
Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appearOf sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year.
Throughout
In every part; as, the cloth was of a piece throughout.
Throughout
From first to last;
The play was excellent end-to-end
Throughout
Used to refer to cited works
FAQs
What does throughout mean?
Throughout means in every part or during the entire time of something.
Does throughout imply continuity?
Yes, throughout often implies continuous or repeated presence or action.
Can throughout be used for places?
Yes, throughout can describe something happening in all parts of a place.
Is during used for specific times?
Yes, during is used to refer to specific periods within a longer timeframe.
Does during indicate a short time period?
During can refer to both short and longer periods within a larger timeframe.
Does throughout have spatial connotations?
Throughout can imply distribution across a space or area.
Can during imply regularity?
During does not typically imply regularity or repetition.
Is throughout used for precise timing?
Throughout is less about precise timing and more about coverage or extent.
Can throughout be used figuratively?
Yes, throughout can be used figuratively to indicate thoroughness or extent.
Is during appropriate for historical contexts?
Yes, during is often used to situate events within historical timeframes.
Does during focus on specific moments?
Yes, during often focuses on specific moments or intervals.
What does during mean?
During refers to at some point or at various points in the time of something.
Can during refer to the entirety of an event?
During typically refers to parts of an event, not necessarily the entire event.
Is throughout a time-specific term?
Throughout can be time-specific but also implies thoroughness or complete coverage.
Can throughout apply to non-physical spaces?
Yes, throughout can be used metaphorically for non-physical concepts.
Does during work well with exact dates?
During is effective for indicating events within specific dates or times.
Can throughout be used in all contexts?
Throughout is versatile but may not be suitable for very specific time points.
Is during used for indicating duration?
During often indicates the duration or part of a period in which something happens.
Can throughout indicate frequency?
Throughout can suggest frequency, especially in repeated or regular occurrences.
Is during suitable for describing events?
Yes, during is commonly used to describe when events occur within a timeline.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
