Held vs. Hold — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 12, 2024
"Held" is the past tense of "hold," indicating an action that has already occurred, such as grasping or possessing something. "Hold" refers to the current or future act of gripping, carrying, or maintaining possession of something.
Difference Between Held and Hold
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Hold" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of gripping, carrying, or supporting something with one's hands or arms, or in a broader sense, to possess, contain, or maintain something. It can be used in various contexts, from the physical act of holding an object to more abstract concepts like holding a meeting or holding onto a belief. On the other hand, "held" is the past tense and past participle of "hold," used to describe actions or states that have already taken place. For example, "She held the book tightly" or "The meeting was held yesterday."
In legal or formal contexts, "hold" can refer to maintaining a position, opinion, or stance, such as in "The court holds that the law is unconstitutional." "Held," in these contexts, would refer to past decisions or positions that have been maintained, as in "The court held that the law was unconstitutional."
In everyday language, "hold" can also imply the capacity or ability to contain something, as in "This cup holds 10 ounces of liquid." "Held" would then be used to refer to the capacity that was used or tested in the past, e.g., "The cup held the entire amount without spilling."
"Hold" can indicate organizing or convening events, like "We will hold a conference next month." "Held" would refer to such events that have already taken place, as in "The conference was held last month."
In expressions or idiomatic uses, "hold" appears in phrases like "hold on" (to wait or pause) or "hold up" (to delay). "Held" would be used to describe these actions in the past, such as "He held on for a few more minutes" or "The traffic held up our arrival."
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Tense
Past
Present, future
Function
Indicates past action of holding, organizing, or maintaining
To grip, carry, or support; to organize or convene; to maintain or contain
Example Usage
"I held the book yesterday."
"I will hold the book."
Contexts
Legal decisions, past events, capacities tested in the past
Legal, formal, everyday language, expressions
Idiomatic Expressions
Used in past narratives of waiting, delaying, or postponing
"Hold on," "hold up," "hold off"
Compare with Definitions
Held
Past tense of hold, indicating the action of gripping or supporting something was done in the past.
He held the trophy high above his head.
Hold
To grip or support with one's hands or arms.
She can hold the ball with one hand.
Held
Indicates that something was contained or had the capacity for something in the past.
The tank held enough water for the entire trip.
Hold
To contain or have the capacity for something.
This jar holds three liters of water.
Held
Refers to events or meetings that were organized or convened in the past.
The conference was held in June.
Hold
To maintain a position or opinion.
The committee will hold its stance on the policy.
Held
Indicates that someone or something was kept or detained previously.
The suspects were held in custody overnight.
Hold
To keep or detain someone or something.
The police can hold a suspect for questioning.
Held
Used to describe a past position or opinion that was maintained.
The judge held that the evidence was inadmissible.
Hold
To convene or organize an event or meeting.
The organization will hold a seminar next week.
Held
Past tense and past participle of hold1.
Hold
To have and keep in one's grasp
Held the reins tightly.
Held
Simple past tense and past participle of hold
Hold
To aim or direct; point
Held a hose on the fire.
Held
Occupied or in the control of; often used in combination;
Enemy-held territory
Hold
To keep from falling or moving; support
A nail too small to hold the mirror.
Hold the horse steady.
Papers that were held together with staples.
Hold
To sustain the pressure of
The old bridge can't hold much weight.
Hold
To keep from departing or getting away
Hold the bus! Hold the dog until I find the leash.
Hold
To keep in custody
Held the suspect for questioning.
Hold
To retain (one's attention or interest)
Televised sports can't hold my interest.
Hold
To avoid letting out or expelling
The swimmer held her breath while underwater.
Hold
To be filled by; contain
This drawer holds socks.
Hold
To be capable of holding
A pitcher that holds a quart.
Hold
To have as a chief characteristic or quality
The film holds many surprises.
Hold
To have in store
Let's see what the future holds.
Hold
To have and maintain in one's possession
Holds a great deal of property.
Hold
To have as a responsible position or a privilege
Held the governorship for six years.
Hold
To have in recognition of achievement or superiority
Holds the record for the one-mile race.
Holds the respect of her peers.
Hold
To maintain control over
Thieves held the stolen painting for ransom.
Hold
To maintain occupation of by force or coercion
Protesters held the embassy for a week.
Hold
To withstand the efforts or advance of (an opposing team, for example).
Hold
To maintain in a given condition, situation, or action
The storyteller held the crowd spellbound.
Hold
To impose control or restraint on; curb
She held her temper.
Hold
To stop the movement or progress of
Hold the presses!.
Hold
To reserve or keep back from use
Please hold two tickets for us. Hold the relish on that hamburger.
Hold
To defer the immediate handling of
The receptionist held all calls during the meeting.
Hold
To own or have title to.
Hold
To be in possession of, whether legally entitled or not
Holds an interest in the company.
Hold
To bind by a contract.
Hold
To adjudge or decree
The court held that the defendant was at fault.
Hold
To make accountable; obligate
He held me to my promise.
Hold
To keep in the mind or convey as a judgment, conviction, or point of view
Holds that this economic program is the only answer to high prices.
Hold
To assert or affirm, especially formally
This doctrine holds that people are inherently good.
Hold
To regard in a certain way
I hold you in high esteem.
Hold
To cause to take place; carry on
Held the race in Texas.
Hold a yard sale.
Hold
To assemble for and conduct the activity of; convene
Held a meeting of the board.
Hold
To carry or support (the body or a bodily part) in a certain position
Can the baby hold herself up yet? Hold up your leg.
Hold
To cover (the ears or the nose, for example) especially for protection
Held my nose against the stench.
Hold
To maintain a grasp or grip on something.
Hold
To stay securely fastened
The chain held.
Hold
To maintain a desired or accustomed position or condition
Hopes the weather will hold.
Hold
To withstand stress, pressure, or opposition
The defense held. We held firm on the negotiations.
Hold
To continue in the same direction
The ship held to an easterly course.
Hold
To be valid, applicable, or true
The observation still holds in cases like this.
Hold
To halt an intended action. Often used in the imperative.
Hold
To stop the countdown during a missile or spacecraft launch.
Hold
(Slang) To have in one's possession illicit or illegally obtained material or goods, especially narcotics
The suspect was holding.
Hold
The act or a means of grasping.
Hold
A manner of grasping an opponent, as in wrestling or aikido
A neck hold.
An arm hold.
Hold
Something that may be grasped or gripped, as for support.
Hold
A control or adjustor on a television that keeps the screen image in proper position
Adjusted the horizontal hold.
Hold
A telephone service that allows one to temporarily interrupt a call without severing the connection.
Hold
A bond or force that attaches or restrains, or by which something is affected or dominated
A writer with a strong hold on her readership.
Hold
Complete control
Has a firm hold on the complex issues.
Hold
Full understanding
Has a good hold on physics.
Hold
The sustaining of a note longer than its indicated time value.
Hold
The symbol designating this pause; a fermata.
Hold
A direction or indication that something is to be reserved or deferred.
Hold
A temporary halt, as in a countdown.
Hold
A prison cell.
Hold
The state of being in confinement; custody.
Hold
(Archaic) A fortified place; a stronghold.
Hold
The lower interior part of a ship or airplane where cargo is stored.
Hold
(transitive) To grasp or grip.
Hold the pencil like this.
Hold
(transitive) To contain or store.
This package holds six bottles.
Hold
(heading) To maintain or keep to a position or state.
Hold
(transitive) To have and keep possession of something.
Hold my coat for me.
The general ordered the colonel to hold his position at all costs.
Hold
(transitive) To reserve.
Hold a table for us at 7:00.
Hold
(transitive) To cause to wait or delay.
Hold the elevator.
Hold
(transitive) To detain.
Hold the suspect in this cell.
Hold
To be or remain valid; to apply (usually in the third person).
To hold true;
The proposition holds.
Hold
To keep oneself in a particular state.
To hold firm
Hold
(transitive) To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
Hold
(transitive) To bear, carry, or manage.
He holds himself proudly erect.
Hold your head high.
Hold
Not to move; to halt; to stop.
Hold
(intransitive) Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Hold
To remain continent; to control an excretory bodily function.
To hold one's bladder;
To hold one's breath
Hold
(heading) To maintain or keep to particular opinions, promises, actions.
Hold
(transitive) To maintain, to consider, to opine.
Hold
(transitive) To bind (someone) to a consequence of his or her actions.
He was held responsible for the actions of those under his command.
I'll hold him to that promise.
Hold
To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.
Hold
To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.
Hold
(archaic) To restrain oneself; to refrain; to hold back.
Hold
To win one's own service game.
Hold
To take place, to occur.
Hold
To organise an event or meeting (usually in passive voice).
Elections will be held on the first Sunday of next month.
Hold
(archaic) To derive right or title.
Hold
(imperative) In a food or drink order at an informal restaurant etc., requesting that a component normally included in that order be omitted.
One ham-and-cheese sandwich; hold the mustard.
A martini, please, and hold the olive.
Hold
To be in possession of illicit drugs for sale.
Hold
A grasp or grip.
Keep a firm hold on the handlebars.
Hold
An act or instance of holding.
Can I have a hold of the baby?
Hold
A place where animals are held for safety
Hold
An order that something is to be reserved or delayed, limiting or preventing how it can be dealt with.
Senator X placed a hold on the bill, then went to the library and placed a hold on a book.
Hold
Something reserved or kept.
We have a hold here for you.
Hold
Power over someone or something.
Hold
The ability to persist.
Hold
The property of maintaining the shape of styled hair.
Hold
(wrestling) A position or grip used to control the opponent.
He got him in a tight hold and pinned him to the mat.
Hold
(exercise) An exercise involving holding a position for a set time
Hold
(gambling) The percentage the house wins on a gamble, the house or bookmaker's hold.
The House Hold on the game is 10,000, this is the amount of decision or risk the house wishes to assume.
Hold
(gambling) The wager amount, the total hold.
As of Monday night the total Melbourne Cup hold was $848,015
Hold
(tennis) An instance of holding one's service game, as opposed to being broken.
Hold
The part of an object one is intended to grasp, or anything one can use for grasping with hands or feet.
Hold
A fruit machine feature allowing one or more of the reels to remain fixed while the others spin.
Hold
A pause facility.
Hold
The queueing system on telephones and similar communication systems which maintains a connection when all lines are busy.
Hold
(baseball) A statistic awarded to a relief pitcher who is not still pitching at the end of the game and who records at least one out and maintains a lead for his team.
Hold
(aviation) A region of airspace reserved for aircraft being kept in a holding pattern.
Hold
The cargo area of a ship or aircraft (often holds or cargo hold).
We watched our luggage being loaded into the hold of the plane.
Hold
(obsolete) Gracious; friendly; faithful; true.
Hold
The whole interior portion of a vessel below the lower deck, in which the cargo is stowed.
Hold
The act of holding, as in or with the hands or arms; the manner of holding, whether firm or loose; seizure; grasp; clasp; grip; possession; - often used with the verbs take and lay.
Ne have I not twelve pence within mine hold.
Thou should'st lay hold upon him.
My soul took hold on thee.
Take fast hold of instruction.
Hold
The authority or ground to take or keep; claim.
The law hath yet another hold on you.
Hold
Binding power and influence.
Fear . . . by which God and his laws take the surest hold of.
Hold
Something that may be grasped; means of support.
If a man be upon an high place without rails or good hold, he is ready to fall.
Hold
A place of confinement; a prison; confinement; custody; guard.
They . . . put them in hold unto the next day.
King Richard, he is in the mighty holdOf Bolingbroke.
Hold
A place of security; a fortified place; a fort; a castle; - often called a stronghold.
New comers in an ancient hold
Hold
A character [thus ] placed over or under a note or rest, and indicating that it is to be prolonged; - called also pause, and corona.
Hold
To cause to remain in a given situation, position, or relation, within certain limits, or the like; to prevent from falling or escaping; to sustain; to restrain; to keep in the grasp; to retain.
The loops held one curtain to another.
Thy right hand shall hold me.
They all hold swords, being expert in war.
In vain he seeks, that having can not hold.
France, thou mayst hold a serpent by the tongue, . . . A fasting tiger safer by the tooth,Than keep in peace that hand which thou dost hold.
Hold
To retain in one's keeping; to maintain possession of, or authority over; not to give up or relinquish; to keep; to defend.
We mean to hold what anciently we claimOf deity or empire.
Hold
To have; to possess; to be in possession of; to occupy; to derive title to; as, to hold office.
This noble merchant held a noble house.
Of him to hold his seigniory for a yearly tribute.
And now the strand, and now the plain, they held.
Hold
To impose restraint upon; to limit in motion or action; to bind legally or morally; to confine; to restrain.
We can not hold mortality's strong hand.
Death! what do'st? O, hold thy blow.
He had not sufficient judgment and self-command to hold his tongue.
Hold
To maintain in being or action; to carry on; to prosecute, as a course of conduct or an argument; to continue; to sustain.
Hold not thy peace, and be not still.
Seedtime and harvest, heat and hoary frost,Shall hold their course.
Hold
To prosecute, have, take, or join in, as something which is the result of united action; as to, hold a meeting, a festival, a session, etc.; hence, to direct and bring about officially; to conduct or preside at; as, the general held a council of war; a judge holds a court; a clergyman holds a service.
I would hold more talk with thee.
Hold
To receive and retain; to contain as a vessel; as, this pail holds milk; hence, to be able to receive and retain; to have capacity or containing power for.
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
One sees more devils than vast hell can hold.
Hold
To accept, as an opinion; to be the adherent of, openly or privately; to persist in, as a purpose; to maintain; to sustain.
Stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.
But still he held his purpose to depart.
Hold
To consider; to regard; to esteem; to account; to think; to judge.
I hold him but a fool.
I shall never hold that man my friend.
The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Hold
To bear, carry, or manage; as he holds himself erect; he holds his head high.
Let him hold his fingers thus.
O, fie! to receive favors, return falsehoods,And hold a lady in hand.
Hold
In general, to keep one's self in a given position or condition; to remain fixed. Hence:
Hold
Not to move; to halt; to stop; - mostly in the imperative.
And damned be him that first cries, "Hold, enough!"
Hold
Not to give way; not to part or become separated; to remain unbroken or unsubdued.
Our force by land hath nobly held.
Hold
Not to fail or be found wanting; to continue; to last; to endure a test or trial; to abide; to persist.
While our obedience holds.
The rule holds in land as all other commodities.
Hold
Not to fall away, desert, or prove recreant; to remain attached; to cleave; - often with with, to, or for.
He will hold to the one and despise the other.
Hold
To restrain one's self; to refrain.
His dauntless heart would fain have heldFrom weeping, but his eyes rebelled.
Hold
To derive right or title; - generally with of.
My crown is absolute, and holds of none.
His imagination holds immediately from nature.
Hold
The act of grasping;
He released his clasp on my arm
He has a strong grip for an old man
She kept a firm hold on the railing
Hold
Understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something;
He has a good grasp of accounting practices
Hold
Power by which something or someone is affected or dominated;
He has a hold over them
Hold
Time during which some action is awaited;
Instant replay caused too long a delay
He ordered a hold in the action
Hold
A state of being confined (usually for a short time);
His detention was politically motivated
The prisoner is on hold
He is in the custody of police
Hold
A stronghold
Hold
A cell in a jail or prison
Hold
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
He grabbed the hammer by the handle
It was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Hold
The space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo
Hold
Organize or be responsible for;
Hold a reception
Have, throw, or make a party
Give a course
Hold
Keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
Keep clean
Hold in place
She always held herself as a lady
The students keep me on my toes
Hold
Have or hold in one's hands or grip;
Hold this bowl for a moment, please
A crazy idea took hold of him
Hold
To close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement;
This holds the local until the express passengers change trains
About a dozen animals were held inside the stockade
The illegal immigrants were held at a detention center
The terrorists held the journalists for ransom
Hold
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Hold
Have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense;
She has $1,000 in the bank
He has got two beautiful daughters
She holds a Master's degree from Harvard
Hold
Keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view;
Take for granted
View as important
Hold these truths to be self-evident
I hold him personally responsible
Hold
Contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Hold
Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits;
Moderate your alcohol intake
Hold your tongue
Hold your temper
Control your anger
Hold
Remain in a certain state, position, or condition;
The weather held
They held on the road and kept marching
Hold
Maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings);
Bear a grudge
Entertain interesting notions
Harbor a resentment
Hold
Assert or affirm;
Rousseau's philosophy holds that people are inherently good
Hold
Remain committed to;
I hold to these ideas
Hold
Secure and keep for possible future use or application;
The landlord retained the security deposit
I reserve the right to disagree
Hold
Be the physical support of; carry the weight of;
The beam holds up the roof
He supported me with one hand while I balanced on the beam
What's holding that mirror?
Hold
Hold the attention of;
The soprano held the audience
This story held our interest
She can hold an audience spellbound
Hold
Keep from exhaling or expelling;
Hold your breath
Hold
Support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Hold
Have room for; hold without crowding;
This hotel can accommodate 250 guests
The theater admits 300 people
The auditorium can't hold more than 500 people
Hold
Be capable of holding or containing;
This box won't take all the items
The flask holds one gallon
Hold
Be valid, applicable, or true;
This theory still holds
Hold
Take and maintain control over, often by violent means;
The dissatisfied students held the President's office for almost a week
Hold
Protect against a challenge or attack;
Hold that position behind the trees!
Hold the bridge against the enemy's attacks
Hold
Declare to be;
She was declared incompetent
Judge held that the defendant was innocent
Hold
Have as a major characteristic;
The novel holds many surprises
The book holds in store much valuable advise
Hold
Cause to stop;
Halt the engines
Arrest the progress
Halt the presses
Hold
Bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted;
He's held by a contract
I'll hold you by your promise
Hold
Cover as for protection against noise or smell;
She held her ears when the jackhammer started to operate
Hold one's nose
Hold
Drink alcohol without showing ill effects;
He can hold his liquor
He had drunk more than he could carry
Hold
Be pertinent or relevant or applicable;
The same laws apply to you!
This theory holds for all irrational numbers
The same rules go for everyone
Hold
Arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance;
Reserve me a seat on a flight
The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
Please hold a table at Maxim's
Hold
Resist or confront with resistance;
The politician defied public opinion
The new material withstands even the greatest wear and tear
The bridge held
Hold
Keep from departing;
Hold the taxi
Hold the horse
Hold
Stop dealing with;
Hold all calls to the President's office while he is in a meeting
Hold
Aim, point, or direct;
Hold the fire extinguisher directly on the flames
Hold
Be in accord; be in agreement;
We agreed on the terms of the settlement
I can't agree with you!
I hold with those who say life is sacred
Both philosophers concord on this point
Common Curiosities
What does "hold" imply in a conversation?
In a conversation, "hold" can imply pausing (hold on), considering (hold that thought), or maintaining a conversation (hold a discussion).
Can "hold" indicate a future action?
Yes, "hold" can indicate a future action, especially when planning or scheduling events (e.g., We will hold a meeting next week).
How does "held" express capacity?
"Held" expresses capacity by indicating the amount or volume something contained or could contain in the past (e.g., The bottle held two liters).
How does context affect the meaning of "hold" and "held"?
The meaning of "hold" and "held" can vary greatly depending on context, ranging from physical actions to abstract concepts like opinions or legal rulings.
Are there any common phrases with "held"?
Common phrases with "held" include "held accountable" (made responsible) and "held in high regard" (respected).
How is "held" used in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, "held" is used to refer to decisions, rulings, or positions that were maintained or established in the past by a court or legal authority.
Is "hold" used in idiomatic expressions?
Yes, "hold" is used in various idiomatic expressions like "hold off" (to delay) and "hold out" (to resist or endure).
What is the difference between "hold" and "held" in terms of time?
"Hold" refers to present or future actions, while "held" refers to actions that occurred in the past.
Can "held" be used without a direct object?
"Held" often requires a direct object (what is being held), but it can be used without one in passive constructions (e.g., The event was held).
How do "hold" and "held" relate in terms of grammar?
"Hold" is the base form of the verb, used for present and future tenses, while "held" is the past tense and past participle form, used for past actions and events.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Paid vs. Payable
Next Comparison
Monarchy vs. FascismAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
