bɪˈtwi:n prep. & adv. --prep. 1 a at or to a
point in
the area or
interval bounded by
two or
more other points in
space,
time, etc. (broke down between London
and Dover; we must meet between
now and Friday). b
along the
extent of
such an area or interval (there are
five shops between
here and the main road; works
best between five and
six; the numbers between 10 and 20). 2 separating, physically or conceptually (the
distance between here and Leeds; the
difference between
right and wrong). 3 a by combining the resources of (great
potential between
them; between us we
could afford it). b shared
by; as the
joint resources of (ø5 between them). c by joint or
reciprocal action (an
agreement between
us; sorted it
out between themselves). °In
sense 3
with reference to more
than two
people or things is established and
acceptable (e.g. relations between Britain, France, and Germany). 4 to and
from (runs between London and Sheffield). 5
taking one and rejecting the other of (decide between
eating here and
going out). --adv. (also in between) at a point or in the area bounded by two or more other points in space, time,
sequence, etc. (not
fat or
thin but in between). øbetween
ourselves (or
you and me) in
confidence. between times (or whiles) in the intervals between other actions; occasionally. [OE betweonum f. Gmc (as BY, TWO)]