Yet vs. Still — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
"Yet" signifies that an event has not happened as of a specific moment, while "still" denotes the ongoing nature of a situation or action.
Difference Between Yet and Still
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The word "yet" often appears in negative sentences or questions, indicating that something has not happened up to the present moment, but it might occur in the future. It conveys a sense of expectation. "Still," on the other hand, is used to show that a situation or action is ongoing. It often implies a sense of surprise or unexpectedness that the situation or action is continuing.
In certain contexts, "yet" can also be used to introduce a contrasting idea, similar to the word "but." It adds an element of contrast or surprise in a sentence. "Still" can also emphasize the unchanged state of a situation. When used in this sense, it implies that despite circumstances or time passing, the situation remains the same.
"Yet" often appears at the end of a sentence in questions and negative statements. Its placement is crucial for the intended meaning in a sentence. In contrast, "still" can be placed in various positions in a sentence. Its placement can be more flexible than "yet."
Comparison Chart
Basic Use
Indicates non-occurrence up to a point
Indicates ongoing situation
Sentence Type
Commonly used in negative sentences and questions
Used in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences
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Connotation
Expectation or anticipation for something to happen
Surprise or emphasis on continuity
Placement in Sentence
Often placed at the end
Flexible placement
Contrast
Can introduce a contrasting idea
Emphasizes unchanged state
Compare with Definitions
Yet
Nevertheless; however.
She was tired, yet she continued to work.
Still
Nevertheless; even so.
It was raining, but we still went out.
Yet
Used in questions to suggest something is expected.
Have you completed your homework yet?
Still
Yet; in addition.
There's still more to discuss.
Yet
Even; used for emphasis.
The puzzle is yet more complicated than it seems.
Still
Make or become still; quieten.
She stilled the crying baby.
Yet
Up until the present or a specified or implied time; by now or then
I haven't told anyone else yet
Aren't you ready to go yet?
I have yet to be convinced
The congress was widely acclaimed as the best yet
Still
A still is an apparatus used to distill liquid mixtures by heating to selectively boil and then cooling to condense the vapor. A still uses the same concepts as a basic distillation apparatus, but on a much larger scale.
Yet
Still; even (used to emphasize increase or repetition)
Snow, snow, and yet more snow
Yet another diet book
The rations were reduced yet again
Still
Not moving or making a sound
The still body of the young man
The sheriff commanded him to stand still and drop the gun
She sat very still, her eyes closed
He lay still, unable to move
Yet
In spite of that; nevertheless
Every week she gets worse, and yet it could go on for years
Still
Deep silence and calm; stillness
The still of the night
Yet
But at the same time; but nevertheless
The path was dark, yet I slowly found my way
Still
An ordinary static photograph as opposed to a motion picture, especially a single shot from a cinema film
Stills photography
Film stills
Yet
At this time; for the present
Isn't ready yet.
Still
An apparatus for distilling alcoholic drinks such as whisky.
Yet
Up to a specified time; thus far
The end had not yet come.
Still
Up to and including the present or the time mentioned; even now (or then) as formerly
He still lives with his mother
It was still raining
Yet
At a future time; eventually
May yet change his mind.
Still
Nevertheless; all the same
I'm afraid he's crazy. Still, he's harmless
Yet
Besides; in addition
Returned for yet another helping.
Still
Even (used with comparatives for emphasis)
Hank, already sweltering, began to sweat still more profusely
Write, or better still, type, captions for the pictures
Yet
Still more; even
A yet sadder tale.
Still
Make or become still; quieten
She raised her hand, stilling Erica's protests
The din in the hall stilled
Yet
Nevertheless
Young yet wise.
Still
Not moving or in motion
The patient must be still for the doctor to work.
Yet
And despite this; nevertheless
She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.
Still
Free from disturbance, agitation, or commotion
The still waters of the lake.
Yet
Thus far; up to the present; up to some unspecified time.
Still
Of or relating to a single or static photograph as opposed to a movie.
Yet
In negative or interrogative use, often with an expectation or potential of something happening in the future.
I haven't finished yet.
Have you finished yet?
We do not yet know what happened.
He has never yet been late for an appointment.
Still
Making or characterized by no sound or faint sound
The crowd cheered and then grew still.
Yet
In negative imperative use, asking for an action to be delayed.
Don't switch it on yet – wait until I've reconnected the pump.
Still
Not carbonated; lacking effervescence
A still wine.
Yet
In affirmative use: still.
He is yet breathing. (He is still breathing.)
Still
Silence; quiet
The still of the night.
Yet
At some future time; eventually.
The riddle will be solved yet.
Still
A still photograph, especially one taken from a scene of a movie and used for promotional purposes.
Yet
Not as of the time referenced.
I’ve yet to see him. — I have not yet seen him.
I had yet to go to a convention. — I had not yet gone to a convention.
They are yet to win a single match. — They have not yet won a single match.
He seemed yet to be convinced. — He seemed not yet to have been convinced.
Still
A still-life picture.
Yet
In addition.
There are two hours yet to go until our destination.
Still
An apparatus for distilling liquids, such as alcohols, consisting of a vessel in which the substance is vaporized by heat and a cooling device in which the vapor is condensed.
Yet
(degree) Even.
K-2 is yet higher than this.
Oh no! Yet more problems!
Still
A distillery.
Yet
Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.
I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.
Still
Without movement; motionlessly
Stand still.
Yet
(obsolete) To pour.
Still
At the present time; for the present
We are still waiting.
Yet
To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).
Still
Up to or at a specified time; yet
Still had not made up her mind.
Yet
To get.
Still
At a future time; eventually
May still see the error of his ways.
Yet
(dialectal) A metal pan or boiler; yetling.
Still
In increasing amount or degree; even
And still further complaints.
Yet
Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.
Still
In addition; besides
Had still another helping.
Yet
In addition; further; besides; over and above; still.
This furnishes us with yet one more reason why our savior, lays such a particular stress acts of mercy.
The rapine is made yet blacker by the pretense of piety and justice.
Still
All the same; nevertheless.
Yet
At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.
Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.
Still
To make motionless or unagitated
The afternoon heat stilled the breeze.
Yet
Before some future time; before the end; eventually; in time.
Still
To make quiet; silence
"a ... cold wind that stilled even the chorus of insects" (David Campbell).
Yet
Even; - used emphatically.
Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.
Still
To allay or calm
The parents stilled their child's fears of the dark.
Yet
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.
Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Still
To become still.
Yet
Up to the present time;
I have yet to see the results
Details are yet to be worked out
Still
Not moving; calm.
Sit there and stay still!
Still waters run deep.
Yet
Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time;
So far he hasn't called
The sun isn't up yet
Still
Not effervescing; not sparkling.
Still water; still wines
Yet
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Still
Uttering no sound; silent.
Yet
Within an indefinite time or at an unspecified future time;
He will understand eventually
He longed for the flowers that were yet to show themselves
Sooner or later you will have to face the facts
In time they came to accept the harsh reality
Still
(not comparable) Having the same stated quality continuously from a past time
Yet
Used after a superlative;
This is the best so far
The largest drug bust yet
Still
Comparatively quiet or silent; soft; gentle; low.
Yet
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Still
(obsolete) Constant; continual.
Yet
Up to now; until the present time.
He hasn't finished the project yet.
Still
Without motion.
They stood still until the guard was out of sight.
Yet
Still; until a future time.
The best is yet to come.
Still
(aspect) Up to a time, as in the preceding time.
Is it still raining?
It was still raining five minutes ago.
We've seen most of the sights, but we are still visiting the museum.
I’m still not wise enough to answer that.
Still
(degree) To an even greater degree. Used to modify comparative adjectives or adverbs.
Tom is tall; Dick is taller; Harry is still taller / Harry is taller still.
Still
(conjunctive) Nevertheless.
I’m not hungry, but I’ll still manage to find room for dessert.
Yeah, but still...
Still
Always; invariably; constantly; continuously.
Still
(extensive) Even, yet.
Some dogs howl, more yelp, still more bark.
Still
A period of calm or silence.
The still of the night
Still
(photography) A photograph, as opposed to movie footage.
Still
(slang) A resident of the Falkland Islands.
Still
A device for distilling liquids.
Still
(catering) A large water boiler used to make tea and coffee.
Still
(catering) The area in a restaurant used to make tea and coffee, separate from the main kitchen.
Still
A building where liquors are distilled; a distillery.
Still
To calm down, to quiet.
To still the raging sea
Still
(obsolete) To trickle, drip.
Still
To cause to fall by drops.
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
Still
Motionless; at rest; quiet; as, to stand still; to lie or sit still.
Still
Uttering no sound; silent; as, the audience is still; the animals are still.
The sea that roared at thy command,At thy command was still.
Still
Not disturbed by noise or agitation; quiet; calm; as, a still evening; a still atmosphere.
Still
Comparatively quiet or silent; soft; gentle; low.
Still
Constant; continual.
By still practice learn to know thy meaning.
Still
Not effervescing; not sparkling; as, still wines.
Still
Freedom from noise; calm; silence; as, the still of midnight.
Still
A steep hill or ascent.
Still
A vessel, boiler, or copper used in the distillation of liquids; specifically, one used for the distillation of alcoholic liquors; a retort. The name is sometimes applied to the whole apparatus used in in vaporization and condensation.
Still
A house where liquors are distilled; a distillery.
Still
To this time; until and during the time now present; now no less than before; yet.
It hath been anciently reported, and is still received.
Still
In the future as now and before.
Hourly joys be still upon you!
Still
In continuation by successive or repeated acts; always; ever; constantly; uniformly.
The desire of fame betrays an ambitious man into indecencies that lessen his reputation; he is still afraid lest any of his actions should be thrown away in private.
Chemists would be rich if they could still do in great quantities what they have sometimes done in little.
Still
In an increasing or additional degree; even more; - much used with comparatives.
The guilt being great, the fear doth still exceed.
Still
Notwithstanding what has been said or done; in spite of what has occured; nevertheless; - sometimes used as a conjunction. See Synonym of But.
As sunshine, broken in the rill,Though turned astray, is sunshine still.
Still
After that; after what is stated.
In the primitive church, such as by fear being compelled to sacrifice to strange gods, after repented, and kept still the office of preaching the gospel.
And like the watchful minutes to the hour,Still and anon cheered up the heavy time.
Still
To stop, as motion or agitation; to cause to become quiet, or comparatively quiet; to check the agitation of; as, to still the raging sea.
He having a full sway over the water, had power to still and compose it, as well as to move and disturb it.
Still
To stop, as noise; to silence.
With his name the mothers still their babies.
Still
To appease; to calm; to quiet, as tumult, agitation, or excitement; as, to still the passions.
Toil that would, at least, have stilled an unquiet impulse in me.
Still
To cause to fall by drops.
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
Still
To drop, or flow in drops; to distill.
Still
A static photograph (especially one taken from a movie and used for advertising purposes);
He wanted some stills for a magazine ad
Still
(poetic) tranquil silence;
The still of the night
Still
An apparatus used for the distillation of liquids; consists of a vessel in which a substance is vaporized by heat and a condenser where the vapor is condensed
Still
A plant and works where alcoholic drinks are made by distillation
Still
Make calm or still;
Quiet the dragons of worry and fear
Still
Cause to be quiet or not talk;
Please silence the children in the church!
Still
Lessen the intensity of or calm;
The news eased my conscience
Still the fears
Still
Make motionless
Still
Not in physical motion;
The inertia of an object at rest
Still
Marked by absence of sound;
A silent house
Soundless footsteps on the grass
The night was still
Still
Free from disturbance;
A ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
The quiet waters of a lagoon
A lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
A smooth channel crossing
Scarcely a ripple on the still water
Unruffled water
Still
Used of pictures; of a single or static photograph not presented so as to create the illusion of motion; or representing objects not capable of motion;
A still photograph
Cezanne's still life of apples
Still
Not sparkling;
A still wine
Still mineral water
Still
Free from noticeable current;
A still pond
Still waters run deep
Still
With reference to action or condition; without change, interruption, or cessation;
It's still warm outside
Will you still love me when we're old and grey?
Still
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Still
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Still
Without moving or making a sound;
He sat still as a statue
Time stood still
They waited stock-still outside the door
He couldn't hold still any longer
Still
Up to and including the present or the time mentioned.
She is still working at the office.
Still
Not moving or making a sound.
The night was perfectly still.
Common Curiosities
Is "still" used to indicate something happening in the future?
No, "still" indicates that something is ongoing or continuing up to the present.
Does "yet" imply a possibility?
Yes, "yet" often implies that something is expected or possible in the future.
Can "yet" indicate a sense of surprise?
"Yet" usually conveys expectation, not surprise.
Is "still" used in negative sentences?
Yes, "still" can be used in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences.
Does "still" always indicate something positive?
No, "still" is neutral and can be used in various contexts, both positive and negative.
Is it correct to use "still" at the end of a sentence?
While it's less common, "still" can sometimes be placed at the end of a sentence for emphasis.
Can "yet" be used as a conjunction?
Yes, "yet" can function as a conjunction meaning "nevertheless" or "but."
Is "yet" commonly used in spoken English?
Yes, "yet" is frequently used in both spoken and written English.
Can "still" be used as a verb?
Yes, "still" can be a verb meaning to quieten or calm something.
Can "still" be used as an adjective?
Yes, "still" can be an adjective meaning calm or motionless.
Can "yet" be used in affirmative sentences?
"Yet" is typically used in negative sentences and questions, not affirmative ones.
Is "yet" typically placed at the beginning of a sentence?
No, "yet" is often placed at the end of a sentence, especially in questions and negative statements.
Can "still" indicate a sense of unexpectedness?
Yes, "still" can imply surprise or unexpectedness that something is ongoing.
Does "yet" have a different meaning in British and American English?
No, the usage of "yet" is generally the same in both British and American English.
Can "yet" and "still" be used interchangeably?
No, they have distinct uses and are not generally interchangeable.
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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.
