between

The word “between” means in the space, time, or range that separates two things. In plain terms, used to show something is in the middle of two points, shared by two parties, or a choice involving two options.

“Between” is pronounced bih-TWEEN (/bəˈtwin/ in IPA).

Here is “between” used in a sentence: “The café is between the bank and the bookstore.”

Words with a similar meaning to “between” include atween, atwix, atwixt, betwixt and betwixte.

“Between” is a preposition.

The word “between” comes from Old English. From Old English betwēonum, literally "by the two" — built from be- and a word related to "twain" (two), the same root behind "betwixt" and "twin.".

“Between” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Between” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in the space, time, or range that separates two things.

Use 'between' for distinct, individual things, even if there are more than two — 'a treaty between four nations.' Use 'among' for something within a larger group viewed collectively — 'hidden among the trees.' The old rule that 'between' is only for two items is a myth; what matters is whether the things are separate or a mass.

Yes. Although 'between' comes from a root meaning 'by two,' it correctly applies to any number of items when each one is considered separately — 'the differences between red, green, and blue.' The key is that the things are individually distinct, not that there happen to be exactly two of them.

'The shop sits between the bank and the café' places it in the space separating those two buildings. 'Between' can also mark time, as in 'call me between two and three o'clock,' or a range, as in 'a price between ten and twenty pounds.' Each use points to a gap dividing two limits.