Lake vs. Mere — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 15, 2024
A lake is a large, natural waterbody surrounded by land, often deep and fed by rivers, while a mere is a specific type of shallow lake, prevalent in the UK, characterized by its broad, flat expanse.
Difference Between Lake and Mere
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A lake is generally a substantial and deep body of freshwater, forming in basins surrounded by land, sourced from rivers, streams, or underground springs. In contrast, a mere specifically refers to a shallow body of water, often broader than it is deep, and typically found in the UK.
Lakes are ecologically diverse, supporting a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial species, due to their varying depths and nutrient levels. Meres, while ecologically rich, typically support ecosystems that thrive in shallower waters, which warm quickly and can support different types of plant and animal life.
The term "lake" is used globally and can vary greatly in size, from small ponds to vast bodies like the Great Lakes. On the other hand, "mere" is a term more commonly used in England and describes a specific type of lake that is notably shallow and often expansive horizontally.
Recreational activities on lakes are diverse, including boating, fishing, and water sports, facilitated by their depth and size. Meres, due to their shallowness, are more suited for activities like bird watching or gentle boating, emphasizing the tranquility of the environment.
Conservation efforts for lakes often address issues like pollution, invasive species, and water management, given their larger size and ecological complexity. Conservation of meres tends to focus on maintaining water quality and protecting the shallow water habitat, crucial for the unique flora and fauna they support.
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Comparison Chart
Depth
Usually deep, varies greatly
Characteristically shallow
Geographic Use
Global term
Primarily used in the UK
Size
Can be very large
Typically smaller, broader than deep
Ecosystem
Supports diverse aquatic life
Supports life adapted to shallow waters
Recreational Use
Supports a variety of activities
Suitable for tranquil, less intense activities
Compare with Definitions
Lake
Can be naturally occurring or man-made.
The reservoir, created by damming a river, is now called a lake.
Mere
Less deep, often warmer than deep lakes.
The mere warms up quickly in the spring, attracting swimmers.
Lake
A large body of water surrounded by land.
Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, spans multiple states.
Mere
A shallow type of lake found primarily in England.
Martin Mere is a haven for wetland wildlife.
Lake
A popular location for recreational activities.
We went boating on the lake during our summer vacation.
Mere
Focus of local folklore and history.
Local legends often speak of mysterious happenings at the old mere.
Lake
A habitat for diverse aquatic species.
The lake hosts several species of fish and birds.
Mere
Typically has gentle shores.
The children played at the edge of the mere, where the water meets the land.
Lake
Often subject to environmental conservation efforts.
The lake has undergone several clean-up initiatives.
Mere
Known for its ecological simplicity and beauty.
The mere is a popular spot for bird watchers.
Lake
A lake is an area filled with water, localized in a basin, surrounded by land, apart from any river or other outlet that serves to feed or drain the lake. Lakes lie on land and are not part of the ocean, although like the much larger oceans, they form part of Earth's water cycle.
Mere
Being nothing more than what is specified
A mere child.
A mere 50 cents an hour.
Lake
A large area of water surrounded by land
Lake Victoria
Boys were swimming in the lake
Mere
Considered apart from anything else
Shocked by the mere idea.
Lake
An insoluble pigment made by combining a soluble organic dye and an insoluble mordant.
Mere
Small; slight
Could detect only the merest whisper.
Lake
A large inland body of fresh water or salt water.
Mere
(Obsolete) Pure; unadulterated.
Lake
A scenic pond, as in a park.
Mere
A small lake, pond, or marsh
"Sometimes on lonely mountain meres / I find a magic bark" (Tennyson).
Lake
A large pool of liquid
A lake of spilled coffee on my desk.
Mere
Just, only; no more than, pure and simple, neither more nor better than might be expected.
Lake
A pigment consisting of organic coloring matter with an inorganic, usually metallic base or carrier, used in dyes, inks, and paints.
Mere
(obsolete) Pure, unalloyed .
Lake
A deep red.
Mere
(obsolete) Nothing less than; complete, downright .
Lake
A large, landlocked stretch of water or similar liquid.
Mere
Boundary, limit; a boundary-marker; boundary-line.
Lake
A large amount of liquid; as, a wine lake.
Mere
A body of standing water, such as a lake or a pond. More specifically, it can refer to a lake that is broad in relation to its depth. Also included in place names such as Windermere.
Lake
A small stream of running water; a channel for water; a drain.
Mere
(obsolete) mayor and {{en}}.
Lake
(obsolete) A pit, or ditch.
Mere
A Maori war-club.
Lake
(obsolete) An offering, sacrifice, gift.
Mere
To limit; bound; divide or cause division in.
Lake
(dialectal) Play; sport; game; fun; glee.
Mere
To set divisions and bounds.
Lake
(obsolete) A kind of fine, white linen.
Mere
(cartography) To decide upon the position of a boundary; to position it on a map.
Lake
In dyeing and painting, an often fugitive crimson or vermillion pigment derived from an organic colorant (cochineal or madder, for example) and an inorganic, generally metallic mordant.
Mere
A pool or lake.
Lake
In the composition of colors for use in products intended for human consumption, made by extending on a substratum of alumina, a salt prepared from one of the certified water-soluble straight colors.
The name of a lake prepared by extending the aluminum salt prepared from FD&C Blue No. 1 upon the substratum would be FD&C Blue No. 1--Aluminum Lake.
Mere
A boundary.
Lake
(obsolete) To present an offering.
Mere
A mare.
Lake
To leap, jump, exert oneself, play.
Mere
To divide, limit, or bound.
Which meared her rule with Africa.
Lake
To make lake-red.
Mere
Unmixed; pure; entire; absolute; unqualified.
Then entered they the mere, main sea.
The sorrows of this world would be mere and unmixed.
Lake
A pigment formed by combining some coloring matter, usually by precipitation, with a metallic oxide or earth, esp. with aluminium hydrate; as, madder lake; Florentine lake; yellow lake, etc.
Mere
Only this, and nothing else; such, and no more; simple; bare; as, a mere boy; a mere form.
From mere success nothing can be concluded in favor of any nation.
Lake
A kind of fine white linen, formerly in use.
Mere
A small pond of standing water
Lake
A large body of water contained in a depression of the earth's surface, and supplied from the drainage of a more or less extended area.
Mere
Being nothing more than specified;
A mere child
Lake
To play; to sport.
Mere
Apart from anything else; without additions or modifications;
Only the bare facts
Shocked by the mere idea
The simple passage of time was enough
The simple truth
Lake
A body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
Lake
A purplish red pigment prepared from lac or cochineal
Lake
Any of numerous bright translucent organic pigments
Common Curiosities
How do the conservation needs of lakes and meres differ?
Lake conservation often involves complex management of water levels, pollution, and biodiversity, whereas mere conservation typically focuses on protecting shallow water ecosystems from eutrophication and invasive species.
What causes the formation of lakes and meres?
Lakes are often formed by glacial activity, tectonic movements, or volcanic craters, while meres are usually the result of natural depressions filling with water.
Are lakes or meres typically clearer?
Meres, being shallow, can sometimes be murkier due to sediment stirring easily; lakes, especially deep ones, often have clearer waters due to stratification.
What types of fish are commonly found in lakes compared to meres?
Larger, deeper lakes often host a variety of fish including trout and bass, while meres are more likely to contain species adapted to warmer, shallower waters like carp or pike.
How does the biodiversity of lakes compare to that of meres?
Lakes usually support higher biodiversity due to their varied habitats and greater depth and size, allowing for more niches for organisms to inhabit.
How do human activities impact lakes and meres differently?
Human activities such as agriculture and urban development can impact lakes through runoff and pollution, whereas meres are particularly sensitive to changes in land use around their perimeters.
Why are meres less common than lakes?
Meres are less common due to their specific shallow nature and are more geographically restricted, mostly found in areas with specific geological conditions like those in the UK.
Can the size of a lake influence its temperature?
Yes, larger lakes often have more stable temperatures due to their volume and depth, whereas smaller lakes and meres can experience more rapid temperature changes.
What recreational activities might harm meres?
Activities that disturb the sediment, such as heavy boating or use of motorized watercraft, can harm meres by clouding the water and disrupting habitat.
What are the typical depths of lakes and meres?
Lakes vary greatly in depth, with some being several hundred meters deep, while meres are usually only a few meters deep.
What is the cultural significance of lakes vs. meres?
Lakes often have significant cultural, historical, and spiritual importance in many societies, while meres may hold local or folklore significance, particularly in the UK.
How do water sources for lakes and meres differ?
Lakes often receive water from multiple sources including rivers, streams, and underground springs, while meres are typically fed by rainfall or minor streams.
How does the life span of lakes compare to that of meres?
Lakes, especially those formed by geological activity, can exist for thousands of years, while meres may change or disappear relatively quickly due to sedimentation.
What role do lakes play in local climates compared to meres?
Large lakes can influence local climates by moderating temperatures and increasing humidity, whereas meres have less impact due to their smaller size.
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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
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
