Still vs. Yet: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 16, 2023
"Still" indicates an ongoing situation, while "Yet" signifies something expected or awaiting to occur.
Key Differences
"Still" is a versatile word, often employed to suggest the continuation of a particular situation or condition. When we say "It is still raining," we are expressing that the rain has not stopped and is ongoing. This term can also express surprise if something is taking longer than expected, as in "You're still working on that project?"
Conversely, "Yet" implies an expectation or a point in time up until now. It often accompanies negative sentences or questions to denote something that hasn't occurred but is anticipated. For instance, when someone inquires, "Have you finished your work yet?" they're asking if you have completed your work up to this moment.
"Still" can also convey calmness or absence of movement. For example, "The water was still," describes a calm surface without ripples or waves. While "Still" can suggest continuity or steadiness, "Yet" consistently pertains to a point in time up to the present moment or the future.
Interestingly, both words can be used in the same sentence, each retaining its unique implication. Take the phrase, "I still haven't received the package yet." Here, "Still" indicates the ongoing state of not having received the package, while "Yet" emphasizes the expected receipt of it up to now.
Despite the differences between "Still" and "Yet," their accurate application can subtly shift the nuance of a sentence. By discerning their distinct meanings, one can convey precise temporal relations and expectations in their statements.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Indicates continuation
Refers to something expected or up to now
Common Context
Present situations
Negative sentences or questions
Example Phrasing
"It is still..."
"Have you... yet?"
Position in Sentence
Often mid-sentence
Usually at the end of questions or negative sentences
Nuance
Ongoing situation or calmness
Awaiting occurrence or not until now
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Still and Yet Definitions
Still
Indicating the continuation of a situation
. He is still at the office.
Yet
Up to the present time; thus far.
I haven't finished the task yet.
Still
Yet, even with that being the case.
The path was challenging, still, he persisted.
Yet
At this time; for the present
Isn't ready yet.
Still
Not moving or in motion
The patient must be still for the doctor to work.
Yet
Up to a specified time; thus far
The end had not yet come.
Still
Free from disturbance, agitation, or commotion
The still waters of the lake.
Yet
At a future time; eventually
May yet change his mind.
Still
Of or relating to a single or static photograph as opposed to a movie.
Yet
Besides; in addition
Returned for yet another helping.
Still
Making or characterized by no sound or faint sound
The crowd cheered and then grew still.
Yet
Still more; even
A yet sadder tale.
Still
Not carbonated; lacking effervescence
A still wine.
Yet
Nevertheless
Young yet wise.
Still
Silence; quiet
The still of the night.
Yet
And despite this; nevertheless
She said she would be late, yet she arrived on time.
Still
A still photograph, especially one taken from a scene of a movie and used for promotional purposes.
Yet
Thus far; up to the present; up to some unspecified time.
Still
A still-life picture.
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
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
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
A distillery.
Yet
In affirmative use: still.
He is yet breathing. (He is still breathing.)
Still
Without movement; motionlessly
Stand still.
Yet
At some future time; eventually.
The riddle will be solved yet.
Still
At the present time; for the present
We are still waiting.
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
Up to or at a specified time; yet
Still had not made up her mind.
Yet
In addition.
There are two hours yet to go until our destination.
Still
At a future time; eventually
May still see the error of his ways.
Yet
(degree) Even.
K-2 is yet higher than this.
Oh no! Yet more problems!
Still
In increasing amount or degree; even
And still further complaints.
Yet
Nevertheless; however; but; despite that.
I thought I knew you, yet how wrong I was.
Still
In addition; besides
Had still another helping.
Yet
(obsolete) To pour.
Still
All the same; nevertheless.
Yet
To melt; found; cast (e.g. metal, by pouring it into a mould when molten).
Still
To make motionless or unagitated
The afternoon heat stilled the breeze.
Yet
To get.
Still
To make quiet; silence
"a ... cold wind that stilled even the chorus of insects" (David Campbell).
Yet
(dialectal) A metal pan or boiler; yetling.
Still
To allay or calm
The parents stilled their child's fears of the dark.
Yet
Any one of several species of large marine gastropods belonging to the genus Yetus, or Cymba; a boat shell.
Still
To become still.
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
Not moving; calm.
Sit there and stay still!
Still waters run deep.
Yet
At the same time; by continuance from a former state; still.
Facts they had heard while they were yet heathens.
Still
Not effervescing; not sparkling.
Still water; still wines
Yet
Before some future time; before the end; eventually; in time.
Still
Uttering no sound; silent.
Yet
Even; - used emphatically.
Men may not too rashly believe the confessions of witches, nor yet the evidence against them.
Still
(not comparable) Having the same stated quality continuously from a past time
Yet
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; however.
Yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Still
Comparatively quiet or silent; soft; gentle; low.
Yet
Up to the present time;
I have yet to see the results
Details are yet to be worked out
Still
(obsolete) Constant; continual.
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
Without motion.
They stood still until the guard was out of sight.
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
(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.
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
(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.
Yet
Used after a superlative;
This is the best so far
The largest drug bust yet
Still
(conjunctive) Nevertheless.
I’m not hungry, but I’ll still manage to find room for dessert.
Yeah, but still...
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
Always; invariably; constantly; continuously.
Yet
However; but.
Simple, yet effective.
Still
(extensive) Even, yet.
Some dogs howl, more yelp, still more bark.
Yet
Used in questions to ask about something expected.
Is dinner ready yet?
Still
A period of calm or silence.
The still of the night
Yet
Even; as a further factor.
The book is short, yet informative.
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
Signifying calmness or absence of movement.
The night was still and quiet.
Still
Used to emphasize a contrast.
She was tired, but still, she continued working.
Still
Up to and including the present.
They are still best friends after all these years.
FAQs
When is "Yet" commonly used?
Often in negative sentences or questions about expected events.
Is "Still" about the present?
Yes, it indicates an ongoing situation in the present.
How does "Yet" imply expectation?
It signifies something hasn't happened but is anticipated.
Can "Still" describe calmness?
Yes, like in "The lake was still."
Does "Yet" always denote incompleteness?
Often, but it can also mean "even" or "however."
Can "Still" indicate surprise?
Yes, expressing something is taking longer than expected.
Does "Still" always come before the verb?
Often, but not always, like in "The night was still."
Can "Still" and "Yet" be in the same sentence?
Yes, like "I still haven't done it yet."
Is "Yet" used in positive statements?
Rarely, it's typically in negative statements or questions.
Can "Still" emphasize contrast?
Yes, as in "I'm tired, but still, I'll go."
Can "Still" be synonymous with "However"?
In some contexts, like "It's hard; still, I'll try."
Does "Still" always suggest time?
Often, but it can also indicate calmness or contrast.
Where is "Yet" typically positioned?
Usually at the end of questions or negative sentences.
Can "Still" describe relationships?
Yes, like "They are still friends."
Is "Yet" synonymous with "So far"?
In some contexts, they can convey similar meanings.
Does "Yet" always follow a negative?
Often, but it can also indicate a further factor or contrast.
What does "Not yet" imply?
It means something expected hasn't occurred up to now.
Is "Yet" about anticipation?
Yes, it often pertains to an awaited occurrence.
Can "Yet" be about the future?
Yes, suggesting something will eventually happen.
Can "Still" indicate persistence?
Yes, suggesting continuity despite challenges.
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
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
