/ bɪˈtwiːn; NAmE / preposition , adverb
■ preposition
1.
in or into the space separating two or more points, objects, people, etc. :
Q comes between P and R in the English alphabet.
I sat down between Jo and Diana.
Switzerland lies between France, Germany, Austria and Italy.
The paper had fallen down between the desk and the wall.
( figurative )
My job is somewhere between a secretary and a personal assistant.
2.
in the period of time that separates two days, years, events, etc. :
It's cheaper between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Don't eat between meals.
Children must attend school between the ages of 5 and 16.
Many changes took place between the two world wars.
3.
at some point along a scale from one amount, weight, distance, etc. to another :
It weighed between nine and ten kilos.
The temperature remained between 25 ° C and 30 ° C all week.
4.
( of a line ) separating one place from another :
the border between Sweden and Norway
5.
from one place to another :
We fly between Rome and Paris twice daily.
6.
used to show a connection or relationship :
a difference / distinction / contrast between two things
a link between unemployment and crime
There's a lot of bad feeling between them.
I had to choose between the two jobs.
7.
shared by two or more people or things :
We ate a pizza between us.
This is just between you and me / between ourselves (= it is a secret) .
8.
by putting together the efforts or actions of two or more people or groups :
We ought to be able to manage it between us.
9.
between doing sth used to show that several activities are involved :
Between working full-time and taking care of the kids, he didn't have much time for hobbies.
■ adverb
(usually in between ) in the space or period of time separating two or more points, objects, etc. or two dates, events, etc. :
The house was near a park but there was a road in between.
I see her most weekends but not very often in between.
•
IDIOMS
see betwixt
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English betwēonum , from be by + a Germanic word related to two .