between

Between is a preposition used to describe a relation involving two endpoints or items, or the space that divides them. It signals where something is located, when something occurs, or the span that connects the endpoints. It can apply to spatial, temporal, and numerical contexts.

In space, between indicates a position relative to two reference points: for example, The cafe is between the library and the post office. In time, it can mark a period: between now and next week, between 3 and 5 p.m. In numbers and measurements, it denotes a range or interval: values between 1 and 10; the temperature between 20 and 25 degrees.

Grammar and usage notes: Between is typically used when referring to two distinct elements or to a relation that involves two sides or endpoints. When more than two elements are involved and the items are not treated as separate pairs, among is usually preferred, as in negotiations among the three countries rather than negotiations between the three countries (which sounds unusual). In common phrases, between often appears with and, but can also introduce more complex relations such as “between you and me,” or “between the two options.”

Etymology: Between comes from Old English betweonan, from a Proto-Germanic origin, related to other Germanic languages’ terms for “in the space separating.”

Overall, between serves as a versatile connector for dual relationships, intervals, and midpoints, with conventional guidance favoring two elements or clearly paired relationships.