Dictionary
Find
in
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Translations

Click to move up the list of words
Bethesda
bethink
Bethlehem
bethought
beti
betide
betimes
betoken
betony
betook
betray
betroth
betrothal
betrothed
Bettendorf
better (1)
better (2)
Click to move down the list of words
Print Preview
See pronunciation key
Search for "between" in all of MSN Encarta
E-mail this entry
Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces
Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

between

be·tween [ bi twn ] CORE MEANING: a grammatical word indicating an intermediate point between two places, people, or times
 (prep) I was standing between two other women.
 (prep) I intend to pay off my mortgage between now and 2010.
 (adv) He worked two shifts, with an hour off between.


preposition 
Definition:
 
1. to and from: from one place to another
She travels between Los Angeles and Santa Monica most days.

2. together: together or in combination with
Between us we should have enough money to pay for the trip.

3. indicates comparison: indicates a comparison, discussion, or relationship involving two people or groups
Reconciliation was hampered by personality conflicts between company executives.

4. indicates choices: indicates two or more possible courses of action
The court offers them a choice between a fine or community service.

[ Old English betwēonum "by two each" < twēonum "two each" < Germanic]

(just) between you and me used to indicate that you are about to reveal something confidential


Word Usage
between or among?

Although some people insist on using among and not between when more than two items are involved, it is established usage to use between in this meaning as well, especially when among might sound too formal: They shared out the money equally between their five children. Among is never used when only two items are involved.

Advertisement

Also on Encarta
Englishtown: Learn English online
Our Partners
Also on MSN
Encarta Message Boards (© Rubberball/Jupiterimages)
MSN Shopping
Encarta RSS Feeds
© 2008 Microsoft