Ditto vs. Same: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Ditto" is an informal way to say "the same as mentioned before," often used for repetition, while "same" is a general term indicating likeness or identical nature.
Difference Between Ditto and Same
"Ditto" and "same" both express agreement or similarity, but their usage and contexts can differ. "Ditto" originates from the Italian word "detto," which means "said." It is an informal expression mainly used to avoid repetition by indicating that something mentioned earlier or above is being repeated. You might find it in lists, where instead of writing the same thing again, one simply writes "ditto" to denote repetition.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In contrast, "same" is a more versatile and commonly used word in the English language. It denotes that two or more things are alike, identical, or unchanged. "Same" can be employed in a variety of contexts, from comparing objects to emphasizing uniformity in situations. It doesn't necessarily refer back to a previous mention, as "ditto" does, but establishes likeness on its own.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
"Ditto" often carries a casual tone. For instance, in a conversation where someone expresses a sentiment, another might respond with "ditto" to convey agreement without restating the entire sentiment. It's a shorthand acknowledgment. "Same," on the other hand, doesn't possess this colloquial nuance, making it more universally applicable. You might say "I feel the same way" instead of using "ditto."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Both "ditto" and "same" serve to emphasize similarity, but their application differs. While "ditto" acts as a placeholder for repeated information or a casual agreement, "same" broadly denotes likeness, making it a staple in everyday language and more formal writings alike.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Ditto vs. Same Comparison Chart
Dependence on Previous Mention
Often refers to a previous mention
Can stand alone without prior mention
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
Ditto vs. Same Definitions
◉Ditto
A duplicate or copy of something.
The document was a ditto of the original contract.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
◉Ditto
A mark indicating repeated words or actions.
She placed a ditto mark under the repeated items.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
◉Same
Similar in kind, quality, quantity, or degree
The ceremony went off with the same elegance that it has had every year.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ditto
A pair of small marks ( " ) used to indicate that the word, phrase, or figure given above is to be repeated.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ditto
That which was stated before, the aforesaid, the above, the same, likewise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ditto
The ditto mark, 〃; a symbol, represented by two apostrophes, inverted commas, or quotation marks (" "), indicating that the item preceding is to be repeated.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Same
The identical thing, ditto.
The same can be said of him.
It's the same everywhere.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Same
Something similar, something of the identical type.
She's having apple pie? I'll have the same.
You two are just the same.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Same
It or them, without a connotation of similarity.
The question is his credibility or lack of same.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Same
(Internet slang) Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Same
Not different or other; not another or others; identical; unchanged.
Thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Ditto
Used to indicate repetition of something mentioned.
The desserts were chocolate cake, strawberry cake, ditto for vanilla.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Same
unchanged in character or nature;
the village stayed the same
his attitude is the same as ever
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Same
in the same manner;
you get treated fairly, same as any other student in this course!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Same
Unchanged in character or nature.
Her attitude remained the same despite the news.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
Ditto vs. Same Frequently Asked Questions
Can same refer to a previously mentioned item like ditto?
While "same" indicates likeness, it doesn't necessarily refer back to a previous mention as "ditto" often does.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Do both words have the same origin?
No, "ditto" comes from the Italian "detto," while "same" originates from Old English.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is ditto a formal word?
"Ditto" is more informal, especially when expressing agreement in conversation.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Why might someone use ditto in a list?
"Ditto" can be used in lists to avoid writing the same thing repeatedly, indicating the repetition of a previously mentioned item.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
Are ditto and same interchangeable?
While both imply similarity, "ditto" is often used for repetition or informal agreement, whereas "same" broadly indicates likeness.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Which word has a broader range of use?
"Same" has a broader range of use and fits into many contexts, from comparisons to declarations of identity.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is ditto a slang?
While "ditto" is informal, it isn't precisely slang. It has established uses, especially in lists.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
How does same function in grammar?
"Same" can be an adjective (the same color) or a pronoun (the same as yours).
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Is it correct to say "I feel ditto"?
It's more colloquial to say "ditto" in agreement. A more standard expression would be "I feel the same."
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Is ditto used in formal writing?
"Ditto" is less common in formal writing, where explicit repetition or the word "same" might be preferred.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
