Add vs. Fill — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 5, 2024
"Add" involves incrementally increasing a quantity or integrating elements together, whereas "fill" refers to making a space or container completely occupied or replenished.
Difference Between Add and Fill
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Add" typically denotes a process where numbers, objects, or substances are combined to increase the total, while "fill" suggests the act of occupying space within a container until it is full.
In mathematics, to add means to combine numbers to form a sum, whereas to fill might not have a direct mathematical context but implies achieving a full capacity or level in physical or metaphorical terms.
When using "add" in cooking, it usually refers to incorporating additional ingredients into a dish to enhance flavor or volume, whereas "fill" is used to describe loading a receptacle like a pie or a pastry with a specific substance.
In programming, "add" can refer to inserting elements into a data structure, while "fill" often describes populating an array or list with a repeated value across its entirety.
"Add" is also used in contexts of social interaction, such as adding a person to a group or list, while "fill" can be used to describe taking up a role or position, as in "filling a vacancy".
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To join or combine
To make full
Usage in Math
Summing numbers
Reaching full capacity (rare)
Usage in Cooking
Incorporating ingredients
Occupying space with contents
Usage in Tech
Inserting elements
Populating with a uniform value
Social Context
Adding people to groups
Taking up roles or positions
Compare with Definitions
Add
To combine numbers to find the total.
When you add 5 and 7, you get 12.
Fill
To make or become full.
He filled the glass with water.
Add
To join something to something else as to increase the size, number, or amount.
She decided to add a pinch of salt to the soup.
Fill
To occupy space or time.
The music filled the room.
Add
To say something further.
He added that the project would be delayed.
Fill
In technology, to populate with specific data.
The script fills the database with default values.
Add
To include an extra element or participant.
We need to add three new team members.
Fill
To complete by putting in what is lacking.
She filled out the application form carefully.
Add
In computing, to append or join new data.
The program adds a new entry every minute.
Fill
To satiate or satisfy.
The hearty meal filled everyone at the table.
Add
Join (something) to something else so as to increase the size, number, or amount
A new wing was added to the building
Some box offices now add on a convenience charge
Fill
To put something into (a container, for example) to capacity or to a desired level
Fill a glass with milk.
Filled the tub with water.
Add
Put in (an additional element, ingredient, etc.)
Chlorine is added to the water to kill bacteria
Fill
To supply or provide to the fullest extent
Filled the mall with new stores.
Add
Put together (two or more numbers or amounts) to calculate their total value
Add the two numbers together
They added all the figures up
Fill
To build up the level of (low-lying land) with material such as earth or gravel.
Add
Say as a further remark
We would like to add our congratulations
‘I hope we haven't been too much trouble,’ she added politely
Fill
To stop or plug up (an opening, for example).
Add
To join or combine (numbers) through addition
If you add 5 and 10 and 17, the result is 32. If you add 6 to 8, you get 14.
Fill
To repair a cavity of (a tooth).
Add
To join or unite so as to increase in size, quantity, quality, or scope
Added 12 inches to the deck.
Flowers that added beauty to the dinner table.
Fill
To add a foreign substance to (cloth or wood, for example).
Add
To say or write further.
Fill
To flow or move into (a container or area), often to capacity
Water is filling the basement. Fans are filling the stadium.
Add
To find a sum in arithmetic.
Fill
To pervade
Music filled the room.
Add
To constitute an addition
An exploit that will add to her reputation.
Fill
To satiate, as with food and drink
The guests filled themselves with pie.
Add
To create or make an addition
Gradually added to my meager savings.
Fill
To engage or occupy completely
A song that filled me with nostalgia.
Add
(transitive) To join or unite (e.g. one thing to another, or as several particulars) so as to increase the number, augment the quantity, or enlarge the magnitude, or so as to form into one aggregate.
Fill
To satisfy or meet; fulfill
Fill the requirements.
Add
To sum up; to put together mentally; to add up.
To add numbers
Fill
To supply what is specified by or required for
Fill a prescription.
Fill an order.
Add
(transitive) To combine elements of (something) into one quantity.
To add a column of numbers
Fill
To put a person into (a job or position)
We filled the job with a new hire.
Add
(transitive) To give by way of increased possession (to someone); to bestow (on).
Fill
To discharge the duties of; occupy
How long has she filled that post?.
Add
(transitive) To append (e.g. a statement); to say further information; to add on.
Fill
To cover the surface of (an inexpensive metal) with a layer of precious metal, such as gold.
Add
(intransitive) To make an addition; to augment; to increase; to add on.
It adds to our anxiety.
Fill
To cause (a sail) to swell.
Add
To perform the arithmetical operation of addition.
He adds rapidly.
Fill
To adjust (a yard) so that wind will cause a sail to swell.
Add
To summon minions or reinforcements.
Typically, a hostile mob will add whenever it's within the aggro radius of a player.
Fill
To become full
The basement is filling with water.
Add
(radio) The addition of a song to a station's playlist.
Fill
An amount needed to make full, complete, or satisfied
Eat one's fill.
Add
(computer science) An act or instance of adding.
Fill
Material for filling a container, cavity, or passage.
Add
(video games) An additional enemy that joins a fight after the primary target.
When the player has fought the boss for one minute, two adds will arrive from the back and must be dealt with.
Fill
A built-up piece of land; an embankment.
Add
To give by way of increased possession (to any one); to bestow (on).
The Lord shall add to me another son.
Fill
The material, such as earth or gravel, used for this.
Add
To join or unite, as one thing to another, or as several particulars, so as to increase the number, augment the quantity, enlarge the magnitude, or so as to form into one aggregate. Hence: To sum up; to put together mentally; as, to add numbers; to add up a column.
Back to thy punishment,False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings.
As easily as he can add together the ideas of two days or two years.
Fill
(transitive) To occupy fully, to take up all of.
Add
To append, as a statement; to say further.
He added that he would willingly consent to the entire abolition of the tax.
Fill
(transitive) To add contents to (a container, cavity, or the like) so that it is full.
Add
To make an addition. To add to, to augment; to increase; as, it adds to our anxiety.
Fill
To enter (something), making it full.
Add
To perform the arithmetical operation of addition; as, he adds rapidly.
Fill
(intransitive) To become full.
The bucket filled with rain;
The sails fill with wind
Add
A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
Fill
(intransitive) To become pervaded with something.
My heart filled with joy.
Add
Make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, zise or scope of;
We added two students to that dorm room
She added a personal note to her letter
Add insult to injury
Add some extra plates to the dinner table
Fill
(transitive) To satisfy or obey (an order, request, or requirement).
The pharmacist filled my prescription for penicillin.
We can't let the library close! It fills a great need in the community.
Add
State or say further;
`It doesn't matter,' he supplied
Fill
(transitive) To install someone, or be installed, in (a position or office), eliminating a vacancy.
Sorry, no more applicants. The position has been filled.
Add
Bestow a quality on;
Her presence lends a certain cachet to the company
The music added a lot to the play
She brings a special atmosphere to our meetings
This adds a light note to the program
Fill
(transitive) To treat (a tooth) by adding a dental filling to it.
Dr. Smith filled Jim's cavity with silver amalgam.
Add
Make an addition by combining numbers;
Add 27 and 49, please!
Fill
(transitive) To fill or supply fully with food; to feed; to satisfy.
Add
Determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
Fill
To trim (a yard) so that the wind blows on the after side of the sails.
Add
Constitute an addition;
This paper will add to her reputation
Fill
(after a possessive) A sufficient or more than sufficient amount.
Don't feed him any more: he's had his fill.
Fill
An amount that fills a container.
The mixer returned to the plant for another fill.
Fill
The filling of a container or area.
That machine can do 20 fills a minute.
This paint program supports lines, circles, and textured fills.
Fill
Inexpensive material used to occupy empty spaces, especially in construction.
The ruins of earlier buildings were used as fill for more recent construction.
Fill
(archaeology) Soil and/or human-created debris discovered within a cavity or cut in the layers and exposed by excavation; fill soil.
Fill
An embankment, as in railroad construction, to fill a hollow or ravine; also, the place which is to be filled.
Fill
(music) A short passage, riff, or rhythmic sound that helps to keep the listener's attention during a break between the phrases of a melody.
Bass fill
Fill
One of the thills or shafts of a carriage.
Fill
One of the thills or shafts of a carriage.
Fill
A full supply, as much as supplies want; as much as gives complete satisfaction.
I'll bear thee hence, where I may weep my fill.
Fill
That which fills; filling; filler; specif., an embankment, as in railroad construction, to fill a hollow or ravine; also, the place which is to be filled.
Fill
To make full; to supply with as much as can be held or contained; to put or pour into, till no more can be received; to occupy the whole capacity of.
The rain also filleth the pools.
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. Anf they filled them up to the brim.
Fill
To furnish an abudant supply to; to furnish with as mush as is desired or desirable; to occupy the whole of; to swarm in or overrun.
And God blessed them, saying. Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas.
The Syrians filled the country.
Fill
To fill or supply fully with food; to feed; to satisfy.
Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fillso great a multitude?
Things that are sweet and fat are more filling.
Fill
To possess and perform the duties of; to officiate in, as an incumbent; to occupy; to hold; as, a king fills a throne; the president fills the office of chief magistrate; the speaker of the House fills the chair.
Fill
To supply with an incumbent; as, to fill an office or a vacancy.
Fill
To press and dilate, as a sail; as, the wind filled the sails.
Fill
To make an embankment in, or raise the level of (a low place), with earth or gravel.
Fill
To become full; to have the whole capacity occupied; to have an abundant supply; to be satiated; as, corn fills well in a warm season; the sail fills with the wind.
Fill
To fill a cup or glass for drinking.
Give me some wine; fill full.
Fill
A quantity sufficient to satisfy;
He ate his fill of potatoes
She had heard her fill of gossip
Fill
Any material that fills a space or container;
There was not enough fill for the trench
Fill
Make full, also in a metaphorical sense;
Fill a container
Fill the child with pride
Fill
Become full;
The pool slowly filled with water
The theater filled up slowly
Fill
Occupy the whole of;
The liquid fills the container
Fill
Assume, as of positions or roles;
She took the job as director of development
Fill
Fill or meet a want or need
Fill
Appoint someone to (a position or a job)
Fill
Eat until one is sated;
He filled up on turkey
Fill
Fill to satisfaction;
I am sated
Fill
Plug with a substance;
Fill a cavity
Common Curiosities
Can "add" be used in a social setting?
Yes, in social contexts, "add" often refers to including more people in a group or list, like adding someone to a party invitation list or a social media friend list.
How does one "add" in a culinary context?
In cooking, to add means to incorporate more ingredients into a dish or recipe to enhance flavor, texture, or volume, such as adding spices to a stew.
What is the significance of adding data in computing?
In computing, adding data typically means inserting or appending new elements to a data structure, enhancing the utility or size of the dataset, such as adding records to a database.
What does "fill" signify in everyday language?
"Fill" typically means to make something full, such as filling a glass with water or a room with furniture.
How does "add" function in creating digital content?
In digital content creation, "add" can mean including new elements like text, images, or videos to enrich the content, such as adding a new scene to a video or a new chapter in an e-book.
What does it mean to add in a mathematical sense?
In mathematics, to add means to combine two or more numbers to form their sum. For example, adding 4 and 3 gives 7.
How do you use "fill" in a technological context?
In technology, "fill" can mean populating a data structure with a specific value or set of values, such as filling an array with zeros or filling a template with user input data.
How is "fill" used differently in cooking compared to other contexts?
In cooking, "fill" often refers to putting enough of a substance into a container or mold, such as filling a pie crust with fruit or a pastry bag with icing.
What does it mean to fill a position?
To fill a position means to occupy a job or role that was previously vacant, often involving the selection and placement of a suitable candidate.
Is "fill" ever used metaphorically? How?
Yes, "fill" can be used metaphorically to describe experiences that satisfy or complete one's emotional or spiritual needs, such as a book that fills a void in someone's life or a reunion that fills one's heart with joy.
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Written by
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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
