Dictionary
1between
preposition be·tween \bi-ˈtwēn, bē-\
: in the space that separates (two things or people)
: in the time that separates (two actions, events, etc.)
: in shares to each of (two or more people)
Full Definition of BETWEEN
1
a : by the common action of : jointly engaging <shared the work between the two of them> <talks between the three — Time> b : in common to : shared by <divided between his four grandchildren>
2
a : in the time, space, or interval that separates b : in intermediate relation to
3
a : from one to another of <air service between Miami and Chicago> b : serving to connect or unite in a relationship (as difference, likeness, or proportion) <a one-to-one correspondence between sets> c : setting apart <the line between fact and fancy>
4
a : in preference for one or the other of <had no difficulty deciding between the two> b : in point of comparison of <not much to choose between the two coats>
5
: in confidence restricted to <a secret between you and me>
6
: taking together the combined effect of <between work and family life, they have no time for hobbies>
See between defined for English-language learners
See between defined for kids
Usage Discussion of BETWEEN
There is a persistent but unfounded notion that between can be used only of two items and that among must be used for more than two. Between has been used of more than two since Old English; it is especially appropriate to denote a one-to-one relationship, regardless of the number of items. It can be used when the number is unspecified <economic cooperation between nations>, when more than two are enumerated <between you and me and the lamppost> <partitioned between Austria, Prussia, and Russia — Nathaniel Benchley>, and even when only one item is mentioned (but repetition is implied) <pausing between every sentence to rap the floor — George Eliot>. Among is more appropriate where the emphasis is on distribution rather than individual relationships <discontent among the peasants>. When among is automatically chosen for more than two, English idiom may be strained <a worthy book that nevertheless falls among many stools — John Simon> <the author alternates among modern slang, clichés and quotes from literary giants — A. H. Johnston>.
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Origin of BETWEEN
Middle English betwene, preposition & adverb, from Old English betwēonum, from be- + -twēonum (dative plural) (akin to Gothic tweihnai two each); akin to Old English twā two
First Known Use: before 12th century
Rhymes with BETWEEN
Andine, arene, baleen, beguine, Benin, benzene, benzine, Bernstein, black bean, boreen, bovine, broad bean, buckbean, caffeine, canteen, carbine, careen, chlorine, chopine, chorine, citrine, codeine, colleen, convene, cotquean, cuisine, dasheen, dauphine, demean, demesne, dry-clean, dudeen, eighteen, Essene, e-zine, fanzine, fascine, fifteen, flavine, fluorine, fourteen, gamine, gangrene, glassine, gyrene, Hellene, hoatzin, horsebean, houseclean, khamsin, Ladin, lateen, latrine, Lublin, machine, malines, marine, moline, moreen, morphine, nankeen, naphthene, Nicene, nineteen, nongreen, obscene, offscreen, on-screen, patine, piscine, poteen, praline, preteen, pristine, propine, Rabin, ratteen, ravine, red bean, routine, saline, saltine, Salween, sardine, sateen, scalene, serene, shagreen, shebeen, siren, Sistine, sixteen, Slovene, snap bean, soybean, spalpeen, string bean, strychnine, subteen, sunscreen, Szczecin, tacrine, takin, taurine, terrene, terrine, thirteen, Tolkien, tontine, tureen, umpteen, unclean, undine, unseen, vaccine, vitrine, wax bean, white bean, windscreen, yestreen, Yibin, zechin
2between
adverb
: in the space separating two things or people
Full Definition of BETWEEN
: in an intermediate space or interval
See between defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BETWEEN
before 12th century
BETWEEN Defined for Kids
1between
preposition be·tween \bi-ˈtwēn\
Definition of BETWEEN for Kids
1
: in the time or space that separates <between nine and ten o'clock> <between the two desks>
2
: functioning to separate or tell apart <What are the differences between soccer and football?>
3
: by the efforts of each of <Between us we can get the job done.>
4
: by comparing <You must choose between two things.>
5
: shared by <There's a strong bond between parent and child.>
6
: in shares to each of <She divided the money between the two children.>
7
: to and from <He travels between New York and Chicago every week.>
2between
adverb
Definition of BETWEEN for Kids
: in a position between others <The room has two desks with a table between.>
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