Part vs. Piece: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
A "part" is a component of a whole, implying a relationship to a larger entity, while a "piece" is a fragment or portion, often without implying relation to a whole.
Key Differences
The terms "part" and "piece" are nuanced words, each carrying distinct implications, even though used interchangeably in casual conversations. "Part" refers to a segment or component that inherently relates to a larger whole, highlighting an integral relationship. It implies that the mentioned element has a structured and inherent role within a broader context or system. Conversely, "piece" often denotes a fragment, portion, or a bit of a whole, which may not necessarily imply an integral relationship to a complete entity. It can stand alone, representing a segmented portion, which can be detached or exist independently of a larger entity.
Delineating "part" and "piece" can be illuminated by considering their applications. A "part" is commonly used in mechanical, organizational, and structural contexts, illustrating components that fit into a broader system, like parts of a machine or parts of a plan. It implies functionality and a sense of belonging to a larger construct. On the other hand, "piece" is more versatile, applicable to denote portions of objects, amounts, or abstract entities, like a piece of cake or a piece of advice, not necessarily insinuating a structured relationship with a larger whole.
The difference between "part" and "piece" also manifests in their usage in sentences. While "part" often associates with entities that are components of systems or structures, signifying a cohesive link, "piece" is used to describe fragments or portions without emphasizing a cohesive relationship with a whole. "Piece" is more general and can refer to any segment or fragment of a whole, even in abstract terms, without implying a specific role or function within a larger entity.
Exploring the contexts of "part" and "piece" provides more insight. When someone refers to being part of a team, it underscores inclusion in a collective entity, emphasizing mutual goals and shared responsibilities. Conversely, when referring to a piece of information, it isolates a specific fragment of knowledge, without emphasizing its integration or role within a broader informational context. Understanding the specific nuances and applications of "part" and "piece" ensures more precise and contextually apt communication.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A component of a whole, implying a relationship to a larger entity.
A fragment or portion, often stand-alone.
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Relation to Whole
Integral, highlighting inherent relationship.
Not necessarily integral to a whole.
Usage Context
Often used in mechanical, organizational, structural contexts.
Versatile, used to denote portions, fragments.
Implied Role
Has a structured and inherent role within a broader context.
Does not imply a specific role within a larger entity.
Abstract or Concrete
Can be both, but often denotes structured components.
More often denotes segments, fragments, irrespective of structure.
Part and Piece Definitions
Part
A portion, division, piece, or segment of a whole.
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Piece
A thing considered as a unit or an element of a larger thing, quantity, or class; a portion
A piece of string.
Part
Any of several equal portions or fractions that can constitute a whole or into which a whole can be divided
A mixture of two parts flour to one part sugar.
Piece
A portion or part that has been separated from a whole
A piece of pie.
Part
A division of a book or artistic work such as a film
A novel in three parts.
Piece
An object that is one member of a group or class
A piece of furniture.
Part
An organ, member, or other division of an organism
A tail is not a part of a guinea pig.
Piece
An artistic, musical, or literary work or composition
"They are lively and well-plotted pieces, both in prose" (Tucker Brooke).
Part
Parts The external genitals.
Piece
An instance; a specimen
A piece of sheer folly.
Part
A component that can be separated from or attached to a system; a detachable piece
Spare parts for cars.
Piece
What one has to say about something; an opinion
Speak one's piece.
Part
Often parts A region, area, land, or territory
"Minding your own business is second nature in these parts" (Boston).
Piece
A coin
A ten-cent piece.
Part
A role
He has the main part in the play.
Piece
One of the counters or figures used in playing various board games.
Part
One's responsibility, duty, or obligation; share
We each do our part to keep the house clean.
Piece
Any one of the chess figures other than a pawn.
Part
Parts Abilities or talents
A person of many parts.
Piece
(Slang) A firearm, especially a rifle.
Part
The music or score for a particular instrument, as in an orchestra.
Piece
(Informal) A given distance
"There was farm country down the road on the right a piece" (James Agee).
Part
One of the melodic divisions or voices of a contrapuntal composition.
Piece
To mend by adding pieces or a piece to
Piece a dress.
Part
The line where the hair on the head is parted.
Piece
To join or unite the pieces of
He pieced together the vase. She pieced together an account of what had gone on during the stormy meeting.
Part
To cause to move apart; put apart
Parted the curtains.
Piece
A part of a larger whole, usually in such a form that it is able to be separated from other parts.
I’d like another piece of pie.
I've lost a piece of this jigsaw puzzle.
Part
To divide into two or more parts; split
The ship's prow parted the waves.
Piece
A single item belonging to a class of similar items.
A piece of machinery
A piece of software
A useful piece of advice
Part
To break up the relationship or association of
A dispute over ownership parted the founders of the business.
Piece
(chess) One of the figures used in playing chess, specifically a higher-value figure as distinguished from a pawn; by extension, a similar counter etc. in other games.
Part
To comb (hair, for example) away from a dividing line, as on the scalp.
Piece
A coin, especially one valued at less than the principal unit of currency.
A sixpenny piece
Part
To go away from; depart from
He parted this life for a better one.
Piece
An artistic creation, such as a painting, sculpture, musical composition, literary work, etc.
She played two beautiful pieces on the piano.
Part
(Archaic) To divide into shares or portions.
Piece
An article published in the press.
Today's paper has an interesting piece on medical research.
Part
To be divided or separated
The curtain parted in the middle.
Piece
(military) An artillery gun.
Part
To move apart
Her lips parted, and she spoke.
Piece
A gun.
He's packin' a piece!
Part
To leave one another; take leave
They parted as friends.
Piece
A toupee or wig, especially when worn by a man.
The announcer is wearing a new piece.
Part
To go away from another; depart
She parted from him at college graduation.
Piece
A slice or other quantity of bread, eaten on its own; a sandwich or light snack.
Part
(Archaic) To die.
Piece
A sexual encounter; from piece of ass or piece of tail.
I got a piece at lunchtime.
Part
To separate or divide into ways going in different directions
The road parts about halfway into the forest.
Piece
A shoddy or worthless object usually applied to consumer products like vehicles or appliances.
Ugh, my new computer is such a piece. I'm taking it back to the store tomorrow.
Part
To disagree or stop associating because of a disagreement
The committee parted over the issue of pay raises for employees.
Piece
A cannabis pipe.
Part
Partially; in part
Part yellow, part green.
Piece
Used to describe a pitch that has been hit but not well, usually either being caught by the opposing team or going foul. Usually used in the past tense with get.
He got a piece of that one;
She got a piece of the ball...and it's going foul.
Part
Not full or complete; partial
A part owner of the business.
Piece
An individual; a person.
Part
A portion; a component.
Piece
(obsolete) A castle; a fortified building.
Part
A fraction of a whole.
Gaul is divided into three parts.
Piece
(US) A pacifier; a dummy.
Part
A distinct element of something larger.
The parts of a chainsaw include the chain, engine, and handle.
Piece
(colloquial) A distance.
A far piece
Located a fair piece away from their camp
A fair piece off
Part
A group inside a larger group.
Piece
(rowing) A structured practice row, often used for performance evaluation.
At practice we rowed four 5,000 meter pieces.
That last piece was torture.
Part
Share, especially of a profit.
I want my part of the bounty.
Piece
An amount of work to be done at one time; a unit of piece work.
Part
A unit of relative proportion in a mixture.
The mixture comprises one part sodium hydroxide and ten parts water.
Piece
(slang) An ounce of a recreational drug.
Part
3.5 centiliters of one ingredient in a mixed drink.
Piece
To assemble (something real or figurative).
These clues allowed us to piece together the solution to the mystery.
Part
A section of a document.
Please turn to Part I, Chapter 2.
Piece
To make, enlarge, or repair, by the addition of a piece or pieces; to patch; often with out.
To piece a garment
Part
A section of land; an area of a country or other territory; region.
Piece
(slang) To produce a work of graffiti more complex than a tag.
Part
A factor.
3 is a part of 12.
Piece
A fragment or part of anything separated from the whole, in any manner, as by cutting, splitting, breaking, or tearing; a part; a portion; as, a piece of sugar; to break in pieces.
Bring it out piece by piece.
Part
(US) A room in a public building, especially a courtroom.
Piece
A definite portion or quantity, as of goods or work; as, a piece of broadcloth; a piece of wall paper.
Part
Duty; responsibility.
To do one’s part
Piece
Any one thing conceived of as apart from other things of the same kind; an individual article; a distinct single effort of a series; a definite performance
Part
Position or role (especially in a play).
We all have a part to play.
Piece
An individual; - applied to a person as being of a certain nature or quality; often, but not always, used slightingly or in contempt.
Thy mother was a piece of virtue.
His own spirit is as unsettled a piece as there is in all the world.
Part
(music) The melody played or sung by a particular instrument, voice, or group of instruments or voices, within a polyphonic piece.
The first violin part in this concerto is very challenging.
Piece
One of the superior men, distinguished from a pawn.
Part
Each of two contrasting sides of an argument, debate etc.; "hand".
Piece
A castle; a fortified building.
Part
(US) The dividing line formed by combing the hair in different directions.
The part of his hair was slightly to the left.
Piece
To make, enlarge, or repair, by the addition of a piece or pieces; to patch; as, to piece a garment; - often with out.
Part
(Judaism) In the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, a unit of time equivalent to 3⅓ seconds.
Piece
To unite; to join; to combine.
His adversaries . . . pieced themselves together in a joint opposition against him.
Part
A constituent of character or capacity; quality; faculty; talent; usually in the plural with a collective sense.
Piece
To unite by a coalescence of parts; to fit together; to join.
Part
(intransitive) To leave the company of.
Piece
A separate part of a whole;
An important piece of the evidence
Part
To cut hair with a parting; shed.
Piece
An item that is an instance of some type;
He designed a new piece of equipment
She bought a lovely piece of china
Part
(transitive) To divide in two.
To part the curtains
Piece
A portion of a natural object;
They analyzed the river into three parts
He needed a piece of granite
Part
(intransitive) To be divided in two or separated; shed.
A rope parts.
His hair parts in the middle.
Piece
A musical work that has been created;
The composition is written in four movements
Part
To divide up; to share.
Piece
An instance of some kind;
It was a nice piece of work
He had a bit of good luck
Part
(obsolete) To have a part or share; to partake.
Piece
An artistic or literary composition;
He wrote an interesting piece on Iran
The children acted out a comic piece to amuse the guests
Part
To separate or disunite; to remove from contact or contiguity; to sunder.
Piece
A portable gun;
He wore his firearm in a shoulder holster
Part
(obsolete) To hold apart; to stand or intervene between.
Piece
A serving that has been cut from a larger portion;
A piece of pie
A slice of bread
Part
To separate by a process of extraction, elimination, or secretion.
To part gold from silver
Piece
A distance;
It is down the road a piece
Part
To leave; to quit.
Piece
A work of art of some artistic value;
This store sells only objets d'art
It is not known who created this piece
Part
To leave (an IRC channel).
Piece
A period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition;
He was here for a little while
I need to rest for a piece
A spell of good weather
A patch of bad weather
Part
Fractional; partial.
Fred was part owner of the car.
Piece
A share of something;
A slice of the company's revenue
Part
Partly; partially; fractionally.
Part finished
Piece
Game equipment consisting of an object used in playing certain board games;
He taught me to set up the men on the chess board
He sacrificed a piece to get a strategic advantage
Part
One of the portions, equal or unequal, into which anything is divided, or regarded as divided; something less than a whole; a number, quantity, mass, or the like, regarded as going to make up, with others, a larger number, quantity, mass, etc., whether actually separate or not; a piece; a fragment; a fraction; a division; a member; a constituent.
And kept back part of the price, . . . and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles'feet.
Our ideas of extension and number - do they not contain a secret relation of the parts ?
I am a part of all that I have met.
Piece
To join or unite the pieces of;
Patch the skirt
Part
An equal constituent portion; one of several or many like quantities, numbers, etc., into which anything is divided, or of which it is composed; proportional division or ingredient.
An homer is the tenth part of an ephah.
A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom,And ever three parts coward.
Piece
Make by putting pieces together;
She pieced a quilt
He tacked together some verses
Part
A constituent portion of a living or spiritual whole; a member; an organ; an essential element.
All the parts were formed . . . into one harmonious body.
The pulse, the glow of every part.
Piece
Join during spinning;
Piece the broken pieces of thread, slivers, and rovings
Part
That which belongs to one, or which is assumed by one, or which falls to one, in a division or apportionment; share; portion; lot; interest; concern; duty; office.
We have no part in David.
Accuse not Nature! she hath done her part;Do thou but thine.
Let me bearMy part of danger with an equal share.
Piece
Eat intermittently; take small bites of;
He pieced at the sandwich all morning
She never eats a full meal--she just nibbles
Part
A constituent of character or capacity; quality; faculty; talent; - usually in the plural with a collective sense.
Which maintained so politic a state of evil, that they will not admit any good part to intermingle with them.
Piece
Repair by adding pieces;
She pieced the china cup
Part
One of the opposing parties or sides in a conflict or a controversy; a faction.
For he that is not against us is on our part.
Make whole kingdoms take her brother's part.
Piece
A portion or segment detached from a whole.
I would like a piece of pie.
Part
Quarter; region; district; - usually in the plural.
All parts resound with tumults, plaints, and fears.
Piece
An instance or example of something.
This sculpture is a beautiful piece of art.
Part
A particular character in a drama or a play; an assumed personification; also, the language, actions, and influence of a character or an actor in a play; or, figuratively, in real life; as, to play the part of Macbeth. See To act a part, under Act.
That partWas aptly fitted and naturally performed.
It was a brute part of him to kill so capital a calf.
Honor and shame from no condition rise;Act well your part, there all the honor lies.
Piece
A fragment or part of an object.
I found a piece of glass on the floor.
Part
Such portion of any quantity, as when taken a certain number of times, will exactly make that quantity; as, 3 is a part of 12; - the opposite of multiple. Also, a line or other element of a geometrical figure.
Piece
An amount or section of something.
He gave me a piece of his mind.
Part
One of the different melodies of a concerted composition, which heard in union compose its harmony; also, the music for each voice or instrument; as, the treble, tenor, or bass part; the violin part, etc.
Piece
An individual item or element of something.
Every piece of this puzzle is important.
Part
To divide; to separate into distinct parts; to break into two or more parts or pieces; to sever.
There, [celestial love] parted into rainbow hues.
Part
To divide into shares; to divide and distribute; to allot; to apportion; to share.
To part his throne, and share his heaven with thee.
They parted my raiment among them.
Part
To separate or disunite; to cause to go apart; to remove from contact or contiguity; to sunder.
The Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me.
While he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
The narrow seas that partThe French and English.
Part
To hold apart; to stand between; to intervene betwixt, as combatants.
The stumbling night did part our weary powers.
Part
To separate by a process of extraction, elimination, or secretion; as, to part gold from silver.
The liver minds his own affair, . . .And parts and strains the vital juices.
Part
To leave; to quit.
Since presently your souls must part your bodies.
Part
To separate (a collection of objects) into smaller collections; as, to part one's hair in the middle.
Part
To be broken or divided into parts or pieces; to break; to become separated; to go asunder; as, rope parts; his hair parts in the middle.
Part
To go away; to depart; to take leave; to quit each other; hence, to die; - often with from.
He wrung Bassanio's hand, and so they parted.
He owned that he had parted from the duke only a few hours before.
His precious bag, which he would by no means part from.
Part
To perform an act of parting; to relinquish a connection of any kind; - followed by with or from; as, to part with one's money.
Celia, for thy sake, I partWith all that grew so near my heart.
Powerful hands . . . will not partEasily from possession won with arms.
It was strange to him that a father should feel no tenderness at parting with an only son.
Part
To have a part or share; to partake.
Part
Partly; in a measure.
Part
Something determined in relation to something that includes it;
He wanted to feel a part of something bigger than himself
I read a portion of the manuscript
The smaller component is hard to reach
Part
The extended spatial location of something;
The farming regions of France
Religions in all parts of the world
Regions of outer space
Part
So far as concerns the actor specified;
It requires vigilance on our part
They resisted every effort on his part
Part
Something less than the whole of a human artifact;
The rear part of the house
Glue the two parts together
Part
One of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole;
The written part of the exam
The finance section of the company
The BBC's engineering division
Part
The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group;
The function of a teacher
The government must do its part
Play its role
Part
A portion of a natural object;
They analyzed the river into three parts
He needed a piece of granite
Part
An actor's portrayal of someone in a play;
She played the part of Desdemona
Part
Assets belonging to or due to or contributed by an individual person or group;
He wanted his share in cash
Part
Any one of a number of individual efforts in a common endeavor;
I am proud of my contribution to the team's success
They all did their share of the work
Part
The melody carried by a particular voice or instrument in polyphonic music;
He tried to sing the tenor part
Part
A line where the hair is parted;
His part was right in the middle
Part
Go one's own away; move apart;
The friends separated after the party
Part
Discontinue an association or relation; go different ways;
The business partners broke over a tax question
The couple separated after 25 years of marriage
My friend and I split up
Part
Leave;
The family took off for Florida
Part
Come apart;
The two pieces that we had glued separated
Part
Force, take, or pull apart;
He separated the fighting children
Moses parted the Red Sea
Part
In part; in some degree; not wholly;
I felt partly to blame
He was partially paralyzed
Part
A segment or component of a whole.
The engine is a crucial part of the car.
Part
An element contributing to a larger system.
He played his part in the project efficiently.
Part
A role or character played by an actor.
She got a leading part in the play.
Part
A region, area, or a fraction of something.
The northern part of the city is more industrialized.
Part
A point concerning one’s involvement or role.
She wanted no part in the argument.
FAQs
Is “part” more formal than “piece”?
Not necessarily; the formality depends on context rather than the word itself.
Is a “piece” always a smaller segment of something?
Typically yes, a “piece” denotes a portion, segment, or fragment of a whole.
Can “part” always be used interchangeably with “piece”?
No, “part” implies an integral relationship to a whole, while “piece” can be a standalone fragment.
Can “piece” denote an abstract segment?
Yes, “piece” can refer to abstract portions like a piece of advice or information.
Can “piece” be used to describe a portion of food?
Yes, a “piece” often refers to a portion or segment of food.
Does “part” always imply functionality within a system?
Often, as “part” usually denotes a component with a role within a larger entity or system.
Can “part” refer to a role or character in a play?
Yes, an actor can play a “part” or role in a play.
Can “piece” refer to a single item in a collection?
Yes, a “piece” can be an individual item within a collection.
Does “part” imply shared responsibility in a context?
Often, being part of a group or system implies shared goals and responsibilities.
Can “piece” be used in expressions to convey opinions?
Yes, expressions like “give a piece of one’s mind” convey opinions or thoughts.
Does “part” imply mutual interaction within a system?
Generally, “part” implies mutual interaction and relation within a larger system or entity.
Can “piece” imply a relationship to a whole?
It can, but it doesn’t necessarily imply an integral or structured relationship.
Can “part” refer to a fractional area or region?
Yes, “part” can denote a fraction or region of a larger area or entity.
Can “piece” denote artistic works?
Yes, “piece” can refer to individual works of art, music, or writing.
Is “piece” limited to describing tangible objects?
No, “piece” can describe both tangible and intangible segments or instances.
Does “part” emphasize structural relation to a whole?
Yes, “part” often emphasizes a structural and functional relationship to a whole.
Can “piece” imply an isolated or detached segment?
Yes, a “piece” can be an isolated or detached segment or fragment.
Can “piece” represent a specific instance or example?
Yes, “piece” can denote a specific instance, example, or item in various contexts.
Can “part” be used to describe regions of a country or city?
Yes, “part” can refer to specific regions or areas of larger geographical entities.
Does “part” denote inclusion within a group or entity?
Yes, “part” often implies inclusion and participation within a group or entity.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
