between

Definition

In the position or interval that separates (two things), or intermediate in quantity or degree. (See Usage notes below.)

Etymology

PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English betwene, from Old English betwēonum (“between, among”, dative plural, literally “by the two, near both”), from Proto-Germanic *bi- (“be-”) + *twīhnaz (“two each”), corresponding to be- + twain. Cognate with Scots between (“between”), Scots atween (“between”), Gothic 𐍄𐍅𐌴𐌹𐌷𐌽𐌰𐌹 (tweihnai, “two each”), Old English betweoh (“between”), Old English twinn (“double, twofold”). More at betwixt, twin. More distantly related to Ancient Greek διά (diá, “through, across, by, over”) whence English dia- (“through, across, between”). For the meaning development also compare with Mongolian хооронд (xoorond, “between”), connected with Mongolian хоёр (xojor, “two”).

Example Sentences

• "John stood between Amy and Mary.    Let’s meet between two and three."
• "I want to buy one that costs somewhere between forty and fifty dollars."
• "The prince is here at hand, pleaſeth your Lordſhip / To meet his grace iuſt diſtance tvveene our armies."

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