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My Celine Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary
rock and stone
What is the difference between rock and stone?
In my native language, they are more or less the same in meaning.
So I am very confused.
In my native language, they are more or less the same in meaning.
So I am very confused.
Top answer
These are generally interchangeable terms. Even when used as idiomatic for a gem like a diamond, called 'a stone' or 'a rock'. 'Gemstone' is not idiomatic.
- These are generally interchangeable terms.
- Even when used as idiomatic for a gem like a diamond, called 'a stone' or 'a rock'.
- 'Gemstone' is not idiomatic.
- You won't normally hear 'Gemrock'.
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18 Answers
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These are generally interchangeable terms. Even when used as idiomatic for a gem like a diamond, called 'a stone' or 'a rock'. 'Gemstone' is not idiomatic. You won't normally hear 'Gemrock'.
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I think if you are talking about a building or sculpting material you would be somewhat more likely to use "stone" - The statue was carved out of stone; there was a stone wall around the property. If you pick up a rock/stone on the beach, you can use either word.
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Hi,
Although I don't live in the UK anymore, I'd say that there are differences between BrE and AmE.
To me, a stone sounds smaller than a rock. In BrE, you have a stone in your shoe. In AmE, you have a rock in it.
Best wishes, Clive
Although I don't live in the UK anymore, I'd say that there are differences between BrE and AmE.
To me, a stone sounds smaller than a rock. In BrE, you have a stone in your shoe. In AmE, you have a rock in it.
Best wishes, Clive
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Yeh, Clive, the other day I told my wife I found the Rosetta stone in one of my hiking boots. She said I must have rocks in my head.
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CliveHi Clive,
To me, a stone sounds smaller than a rock. In BrE, you have a stone in your shoe. In AmE, you have a rock in it.
Perhaps there are regional differences within North America as well. Growing up in the northeastern United States, I never heard anyone say they have
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Interesting.
I think we have 'gemstone' in BrE. This is how I hear the other words – do AmE/CanE ears differ?
1. 'That wall is solid rock' – a geological feature.
2. 'Stone walls do not a prison make', 'heart of stone' – 'stone' is the material.
3. 'I picked up a rock' – suggests something large, and perhaps quite rough.
4. 'I picked up a piece of rock
I think we have 'gemstone' in BrE. This is how I hear the other words – do AmE/CanE ears differ?
1. 'That wall is solid rock' – a geological feature.
2. 'Stone walls do not a prison make', 'heart of stone' – 'stone' is the material.
3. 'I picked up a rock' – suggests something large, and perhaps quite rough.
4. 'I picked up a piece of rock
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MrP, from the American side of Niagara Falls--
Your nos. 1 - 6: all familiar.
Then--
rock hound, rock climber, rock candy, bedrock, sheet rock, rock band, rock drawings
and,
The Rock: h
Your nos. 1 - 6: all familiar.
Then--
rock hound, rock climber, rock candy, bedrock, sheet rock, rock band, rock drawings
and,
The Rock: h
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Hi Mr.P,
All of the above sound normal in CanE, to me. Other off the cuff ramblings and idioms about rock/stone:
Let he who is without sin among you 'cast the first stone'
Rock of ages
A headstone on a grave
Stone the crows (although rock the boat, ha-ha) Maybe in BrCanE.
stone cold
a stone killer (because he has a heart of stone, I
All of the above sound normal in CanE, to me. Other off the cuff ramblings and idioms about rock/stone:
Let he who is without sin among you 'cast the first stone'
Rock of ages
A headstone on a grave
Stone the crows (although rock the boat, ha-ha) Maybe in BrCanE.
stone cold
a stone killer (because he has a heart of stone, I
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Yes, that's a good one, too, May.
'Martini on the rocks' = a martini poured into a glass containing chunks of ice.
'Martini on the rocks' = a martini poured into a glass containing chunks of ice.
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