During vs. Within — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
"During" signifies something happening throughout an event or period, whereas "within" pertains to something occurring inside the specified limits or timeframe.
Difference Between During and Within
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
During refers to something happening at any point or throughout a specific period. Within denotes that something happens inside the confines or limits of a particular period.
During is often used to indicate that an event or action occurs at some point within a larger time frame. Within specifies a time limit by which an event or action must occur.
The use of "during" typically implies that something is happening concurrently with an ongoing event or time period. "Within" suggests a boundary or limit, indicating that something must happen before a specified time expires.
While "during" is used to describe an experience or action that unfolds over a period of time, "within" often conveys urgency or a deadline, setting a maximum time for something to happen.
"During" emphasizes the continuity or overlap with a larger event or time span. Conversely, "within" focuses on the constraint of time, marking a timeframe within which something must occur.
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Relation
Throughout a time period.
Inside or before the end of a time period.
Implication
Concurrent with an event or period.
Within a specified limit or deadline.
Usage
Describes when something happens.
Specifies a timeframe for something to happen.
Example Context
"During the meeting..."
"Within 24 hours..."
Grammatical Function
Preposition describing when.
Preposition describing limit or deadline.
Compare with Definitions
During
At some point within
He arrived during the afternoon.
Within
Less than a certain amount
Keep the temperature within acceptable limits.
During
Throughout the course of
During the movie, the power went out.
Within
Inside the limits of
The package will arrive within three days.
During
Concurrently with
They chatted during dinner.
Within
Before the end of a period
Finish the task within an hour.
During
While something is happening
The phone rang during his speech.
Within
Not exceeding in range
They live within five miles of the school.
During
In the time of
During the 1990s, technology rapidly evolved.
Within
Inside a physical space
The keys are within the drawer.
During
Throughout the course or duration of
Suffered food shortages during the war.
Within
In or into the inner part; inside
"restaurants and wine houses jammed along the earthen streets ... banners flapping to announce the delights within" (Nicole Mones).
During
At some time in
Was born during a blizzard.
Within
Inside the mind, heart, or soul; inwardly
The fear that lies within.
During
For all of a given time interval.
I lived with my parents during the 1970s.
The shop was one of the few able to stay open during the war.
Within
In the inner part or parts of; inside
The streets within the city.
Resentment seething within him.
During
At any time or period within a given time interval.
I lived with my parents at several points during the 1980s.
Many of the best examples were produced during the Restoration.
Within
Not exceeding the limits or extent of in distance or time
Got within ten miles of home.
Stayed within earshot.
Arrived within two days.
During
Present participle of dure
Within
Not exceeding the fixed limits of; not beyond
Lived within her income.
During
In the time of; as long as the action or existence of; as, during life; during the space of a year.
Within
In the scope or sphere of
Acted within the law.
Within the medical profession.
Within
Used to indicate a range to be covered or an amount necessary before something can happen
The team has pulled to within three points and can tie the game with a field goal.
Within
An inner position, place, or area
Treachery from within.
Within
In the inner part, spatially; physically inside.
Within her studio
Within
In the scope or range of.
Within his hearing;
Her within five seconds of breaking the record;
Within an inch of falling overboard
Within
Before the specified duration ends.
Leave here within three days.
Within
In or into the interior; inside.
Within
(legal) In the context of which the present document or ruling is made.
The within appeal
Within
In the inner or interior part of; inside of; not without; as, within doors.
O, unhappy youth!Come not within these doors; within this roofThe enemy of all your graces lives.
Till this be cured by religion, it is as impossible for a man to be happy - that is, pleased and contented within himself - as it is for a sick man to be at ease.
Within
In the limits or compass of; not further in length than; as, within five miles; not longer in time than; as, within an hour; not exceeding in quantity; as, expenses kept within one's income.
Within these five hours lived Lord Hastings,Untainted, unexamined, free, at liberty.
Within
Hence, inside the limits, reach, or influence of; not going outside of; not beyond, overstepping, exceeding, or the like.
Both he and she are still within my power.
Within himselfThe danger lies, yet lies within his power.
Were every action concluded within itself, and drew no consequence after it, we should, undoubtedly, never err in our choice of good.
Within
In the inner part; inwardly; internally.
Ills from within thy reason must prevent.
Within
In the house; in doors; as, the master is within.
Within
On the inside;
Inside, the car is a mess
Common Curiosities
Can "during" be used for specific times?
"During" is more for periods or events, not precise times.
What does within mean?
Within means inside the limits or timeframe of something.
Does "within" always indicate urgency?
Not always, but it often sets a boundary or timeframe.
What does during mean?
During means throughout the course or duration of an event or period.
How do I use "within" in a sentence?
"Please respond within 24 hours."
Can "during" imply the entire time of an event?
Yes, it can suggest something happens throughout an event.
Are "during" and "within" interchangeable?
No, they have different implications regarding time.
How do I use "during" in a sentence?
"He fell asleep during the movie."
Is "within" used for deadlines?
Yes, it often indicates a time limit or deadline.
Can "during" be used with seasons?
Yes, like "during the summer."
Is "during" used for exact deadlines?
No, it's more about a time span than a precise deadline.
Can "within" refer to something inside an area?
Yes, it can refer to something inside a physical or metaphorical space.
Can "within" be used spatially?
Yes, like "within the room."
Does "during" have a spatial meaning?
It’s primarily temporal, not spatial.
Is "within" used for distances?
Yes, it can indicate a range, like "within 5 miles."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
