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Ditto vs. Same — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 25, 2023
"Ditto" is a casual way to say "the same as mentioned," often for repeating a previous statement, while "same" indicates identicalness or equivalence.
Ditto vs. Same — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Ditto and Same

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Key Differences

"Ditto" and "Same" are both used to express agreement or indicate that something is identical to another. However, "Ditto" often has a casual tone, and its origin from Italian means "said." It's commonly utilized to avoid repeating a previously stated sentiment, like in a list where "ditto" might be used to show the same content as above. On the other hand, "Same" is a standard English word that signifies something is identical or hasn't changed.
While "Ditto" carries a colloquial flavor and is frequent in informal communication, "Same" is neutral in tone and fits seamlessly into both casual and formal contexts. For instance, in a conversation where one person expresses a preference or opinion, another might simply respond with "Ditto!" to convey agreement. Conversely, using "Same" would often require more words, like "I feel the same way."
In print or written form, you might come across "Ditto" used in lists or tables to avoid redundancy. For example, if one is listing monthly expenditures and two months have identical expenses, "Ditto" might be placed for the second month. "Same," while understood, is less customary in this context.
From a historical perspective, "Ditto" comes with an interesting tidbit. Its symbol, often two quotation marks ("), was historically used in ledgers and lists to show repeated information. Meanwhile, "Same" remains a straightforward adjective in English, often paired with "the" to show equivalence between two entities.
Clearly, while both words signify similarity or repetition, "Ditto" often feels more relaxed and context-specific, whereas "Same" has broader applications and a neutral tone.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

"The same as mentioned."
Indicating identicalness.

Usage

Often informal or colloquial.
Neutral, fits various contexts.

Common Contexts

Lists, agreement in conversation.
General descriptions, comparison.

Historical Use

Used with its symbol in ledgers.
Standard adjective in English.

Tone

Casual.
Neutral.

Compare with Definitions

Ditto

To duplicate or replicate.
The machine can ditto that design on multiple papers.

Same

Unchanged in character or nature.
He's the same person I knew years ago.

Ditto

An expression of agreement.
I love that movie! Ditto!

Same

Identical; not different.
We went to the same school.

Ditto

The same as stated above or before.

Same

Used to emphasize an identical situation or circumstance.
I feel the same way about it.

Ditto

A duplicate; a copy.

Same

Referring to a person or thing just mentioned.
The twins wore the same dress.

Ditto

A pair of small marks ( " ) used to indicate that the word, phrase, or figure given above is to be repeated.

Same

Equivalent; equal in amount or value.
The prices at both stores are the same.

Ditto

As before.

Same

Being the very one; identical
The same boat we rented before.

Ditto

To duplicate (a document, for example).

Same

Similar in kind, quality, quantity, or degree
The ceremony went off with the same elegance that it has had every year.

Ditto

That which was stated before, the aforesaid, the above, the same, likewise.

Same

Conforming in every detail
According to the same rules as before.

Ditto

A duplicate or copy of a document, particularly one created by a spirit duplicator.
Please run off twenty-four dittos of this assignment, for my students.

Same

Being the one previously mentioned or indicated; aforesaid
"There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon.
And the same man was just and devout" (King James Bible).

Ditto

(by extension) A copy; an imitation.

Same

In the same way
The words sale and sail are pronounced the same.

Ditto

The ditto mark, 〃; a symbol, represented by two apostrophes, inverted commas, or quotation marks (" "), indicating that the item preceding is to be repeated.

Same

Not different or other; not another or others; not different as regards self; selfsame; identical.
I realised I was the same age as my grandfather had been when he joined the air force.
Even if the twins are identical, they are still not the same person, unlike Mark Twain and Samuel Clemens.
Peter and Anna went to the same high school: the high school to which Peter went is the high school to which Anna went.

Ditto

A suit of clothes of the same colour throughout.

Same

Lacking variety from; indistinguishable.

Ditto

As said before, likewise.

Same

Similar, alike.
You have the same hair I do!

Ditto

(transitive) To repeat the aforesaid, the earlier action etc.

Same

Used to express the unity of an object or person which has various different descriptions or qualities.
Round here it can be cloudy and sunny even in the same day.
We were all going in the same direction.

Ditto

(US) To make a copy using a ditto machine.

Same

A reply of confirmation of identity.

Ditto

Used as an expression of agreement with what another person has said, or to indicate that what they have said equally applies to the person being addressed.
I'm really busy today! —Ditto!

Same

(used with the) The same way; in the same manner; to the same extent, equally.
A mother loves all her children the same.
My hometown looked much the same as when I'd left 10 years ago.
It took all night to find our hotel room, as we forgot our room number and each door looked the same.

Ditto

The aforesaid thing; the same (as before). Often contracted to do., or to two "turned commas" ("), or small marks. Used in bills, books of account, tables of names, etc., to save repetition.
A spacious table in the center, and a variety of smaller dittos in the corners.

Same

Together.

Ditto

As before, or aforesaid; in the same manner; also.

Same

The identical thing, ditto.
The same can be said of him.
It's the same everywhere.

Ditto

A mark used to indicate the word above it should be repeated

Same

Something similar, something of the identical type.
She's having apple pie? I'll have the same.
You two are just the same.

Ditto

Repeat an action or statement;
The next speaker dittoed her argument

Same

It or them, without a connotation of similarity.
The question is his credibility or lack of same.

Ditto

Used to repeat the mention of something.
I'll have what she's having – ditto.

Same

It or them, as above, meaning the last object mentioned, mainly as complement: on the same, for the same.
My picture/photography blog...kindly give me your reviews on the same.

Ditto

The same thing again (in print).
The columns had expenses listed, with 'ditto' for repeated amounts.

Same

(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.

Ditto

Indicating that something just said applies again.
Blue's my favorite color. Ditto.

Same

Not different or other; not another or others; identical; unchanged.
Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

Same

Of like kind, species, sort, dimensions, or the like; not differing in character or in the quality or qualities compared; corresponding; not discordant; similar; like.
The ethereal vigor is in all the same.

Same

Just mentioned, or just about to be mentioned.
What ye know, the same do I know.
Do but think how well the same he spends,Who spends his blood his country to relieve.
Bees like the same odors as we do.
[He] held the same political opinions with his illustrious friend.

Same

Same in identity;
The same man I saw yesterday
Never wore the same dress twice
This road is the same one we were on yesterday
On the same side of the street

Same

Closely similar or comparable in kind or quality or quantity or degree;
Curtains the same color as the walls
Two girls of the same age
Mother and son have the same blue eyes
Animals of the same species
The same rules as before
Two boxes having the same dimensions
The same day next year

Same

Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number

Same

Unchanged in character or nature;
The village stayed the same
His attitude is the same as ever

Same

In the same manner;
You get treated fairly, same as any other student in this course!

Common Curiosities

Is "ditto" formal language?

No, "ditto" is often considered colloquial or informal.

Why do some lists use "ditto" marks?

"Ditto" marks are used to indicate repeated information from the line above, preventing redundancy.

Does "same" always require "the" before it?

Not always, but "the same" is a common construction to show equivalence.

Can "ditto" be used in a formal document?

It's less common and might seem out of place. In formal contexts, it's better to repeat the information or phrase.

Can "same" and "ditto" always be used interchangeably?

Not always. While they both indicate similarity, "ditto" is more specific to repeating a prior statement.

Can "ditto" be a verb?

Less commonly, but it can mean to duplicate or replicate.

Are there contexts where "ditto" shouldn't be used?

In formal writings or speeches, "ditto" might seem informal and better avoided.

How would I use "ditto" in a conversation to show agreement?

Simply responding with "Ditto!" can indicate you agree with the prior statement.

Can "same" describe both tangible and intangible items?

Yes, it can describe both, like "same shirt" or "same idea."

Where does the word "ditto" originate from?

"Ditto" comes from the Italian "ditto," meaning "said."

Is "ditto" only an American term?

No, "ditto" is understood in many English-speaking regions, not just America.

Can "same" stand alone as a response?

Yes, especially in casual conversations. "I'm tired." "Same."

Does "same" have a casual tone like "ditto"?

No, "same" is neutral and can fit both casual and formal contexts.

Is "same" only an adjective?

Primarily, yes, but it can also function adverbially as in "I feel the same."

Do young people use "ditto" or is it outdated?

While perhaps less common than before, many still understand and use "ditto."

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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