Pour vs. Rain — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 18, 2024
"Pour" refers to causing a liquid to flow in a stream, while "rain" refers to water droplets falling from the sky due to condensation in the atmosphere.
Difference Between Pour and Rain
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Pour" involves causing a liquid to flow from a container, often in a controlled manner. For example, you might pour milk into a glass or pour water over plants. It emphasizes the action of transferring liquid from one place to another. "Rain," on the other hand, specifically refers to precipitation from the sky, where water droplets fall due to condensation in clouds. Rain is a natural weather phenomenon and can vary in intensity from light showers to heavy downpours.
"Pour" as a verb can also describe heavy rainfall. For example, "It's pouring outside" means it is raining heavily. However, the primary meaning involves the controlled flow of liquids. "Rain" can be both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the precipitation itself, and as a verb, it describes the act of water falling from the sky. For example, "The rain was steady all day" and "It will rain tomorrow."
While "pour" can apply to various liquids and contexts, "rain" is specific to weather and atmospheric conditions.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To cause a liquid to flow in a stream
Water droplets falling from the sky
Primary Usage
Transferring liquids
Weather phenomenon
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Additional Meaning
Describing heavy rainfall
N/A
Verb/Noun Usage
Primarily a verb
Both verb and noun
Context
Controlled liquid flow
Natural precipitation
Example
Pouring coffee into a cup
It started to rain in the afternoon
Compare with Definitions
Pour
To cause a liquid to flow from a container.
She poured the wine into the glasses.
Rain
A period of rainfall.
We had a lot of rain in April.
Pour
To flow continuously or profusely.
The river poured over the waterfall.
Rain
Water droplets falling from the sky due to condensation.
The forecast predicts rain for the weekend.
Pour
To produce or release in a steady stream.
The factory pours out smoke from its chimneys.
Rain
To fall in drops from the sky.
The rain began to fall as we left the house.
Pour
To cause (a liquid or granular solid) to stream or flow, as from a container
Poured tea from the pot into the cup.
Rain
Rain is liquid water in the form of droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then become heavy enough to fall under gravity. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the Earth.
Pour
To pour a liquid or particles into (a container)
Poured a glass of milk.
Rain
The condensed moisture of the atmosphere falling visibly in separate drops
It's pouring with rain
The rain had not stopped for days
Pour
To empty (a container) of a liquid or granular solid
Poured a bucket of sand on the ground.
Rain
Rain falls
It was beginning to rain
Pour
To send forth, produce, express, or utter copiously, as if in a stream or flood
Poured money into the project.
Poured out my inner thoughts.
Rain
Water condensed from atmospheric vapor and falling in drops.
Pour
To stream or flow continuously or profusely
Water poured over the dam.
Rain
A fall of such water; a rainstorm.
Pour
To rain hard or heavily
It has been pouring for an hour.
Rain
The descent of such water.
Pour
To pass or proceed in large numbers or quantity
Students poured into the auditorium.
Rain
Rainy weather.
Pour
To serve a beverage, such as tea or coffee, to a gathering
We need someone to pour.
Rain
Rains A rainy season.
Pour
A pouring or flowing forth, especially a downpour of rain.
Rain
A heavy or abundant fall
A rain of fluffy cottonwood seeds.
A rain of insults.
Pour
(transitive) To cause (liquid, or liquid-like substance) to flow in a stream, either out of a container or into it.
Pour water from a jug
Pour wine into a decanter
To pour oil onto chips
To pour out sand or dust.
Rain
To fall in drops of water from the clouds.
Pour
To send out as in a stream or a flood; to cause (an emotion) to come out; to cause to escape.
My teacher poured scorn on my attempts at writing.
Rain
To fall like rain
Praise rained down on the composer.
Pour
(transitive) To send forth from, as in a stream; to discharge uninterruptedly.
Rain
To release rain.
Pour
(intransitive) To flow, pass or issue in a stream; to fall continuously and abundantly.
The rain poured down.
Rain
To send or pour down.
Pour
(impersonal) To rain hard.
It's pouring outside.
Rain
To give abundantly; shower
Rain gifts.
Rain curses upon their heads.
Pour
(intransitive) Of a beverage, to be on tap or otherwise available for serving to customers.
Rain
Condensed water falling from a cloud.
We've been having a lot of rain lately.
The rains came late that year.
Pour
(intransitive) To move in a throng, as a crowd.
The people poured out of the theater.
Rain
(figuratively) Any matter moving or falling, usually through air, and especially if liquid or otherwise figuratively identifiable with raindrops.
Pour
The act of pouring.
The bartender's inexpert pour left me with a pint of beer that was half foam.
Rain
(figuratively) An instance of particles or larger pieces of matter moving or falling through air.
A rain of mortar fire fell on our trenches.
Pour
Something, or an amount, poured.
Rain
(impersonal) To have rain fall from the sky.
Judging by the black cloud, it will rain later today.
Pour
(colloquial) A downpour, or flood of precipitation.
Rain
(intransitive) To fall as or like rain.
Tears rained from her eyes.
Leaves rained from the tree.
Bombs rained from the sky.
Pour
Poor.
Rain
(transitive) To issue (something) in large quantities.
The boxer rained punches on his opponent's head.
Pour
To pore.
Rain
Reign.
Pour
To cause to flow in a stream, as a liquid or anything flowing like a liquid, either out of a vessel or into it; as, to pour water from a pail; to pour wine into a decanter; to pour oil upon the waters; to pour out sand or dust.
Rain
Water falling in drops from the clouds; the descent of water from the clouds in drops.
Rain is water by the heat of the sun divided into very small parts ascending in the air, till, encountering the cold, it be condensed into clouds, and descends in drops.
Fair days have oft contracted wind and rain.
Pour
To send forth as in a stream or a flood; to emit; to let escape freely or wholly.
I . . . have poured out my soul before the Lord.
Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee.
London doth pour out her citizens !
Wherefore did Nature pour her bounties forthWith such a full and unwithdrawing hand ?
Rain
To fall in drops from the clouds, as water; - used mostly with it for a nominative; as, it rains.
The rain it raineth every day.
Pour
To send forth from, as in a stream; to discharge uninterruptedly.
Is it for thee the linnet pours his throat ?
Rain
To fall or drop like water from the clouds; as, tears rained from their eyes.
Pour
To flow, pass, or issue in a stream, or as a stream; to fall continuously and abundantly; as, the rain pours; the people poured out of the theater.
In the rude throng pour on with furious pace.
Rain
To pour or shower down from above, like rain from the clouds.
Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you.
Pour
A stream, or something like a stream; a flood.
Rain
To bestow in a profuse or abundant manner; as, to rain favors upon a person.
Pour
Cause to run;
Pour water over the floor
Rain
Water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
Pour
Move in large numbers;
People were pouring out of the theater
Beggars pullulated in the plaza
Rain
Drops of fresh water that fall as precipitation from clouds
Pour
Pour out;
The sommelier decanted the wines
Rain
Anything happening rapidly or in quick successive;
A rain of bullets
A pelting of insults
Pour
Flow in a spurt;
Water poured all over the floor
Rain
Precipitate as rain;
If it rains much more, we can expect some flooding
Pour
Supply in large amounts or quantities;
We poured money into the education of our children
Rain
The act of water falling from the sky.
It rained all night long.
Pour
Rain heavily;
Put on your rain coat-- it's pouring outside!
Rain
Any substance falling in large quantities.
The concert ended with a rain of confetti.
Pour
To dispense a liquid.
He poured syrup over his pancakes.
Pour
To rain heavily.
It's pouring rain outside.
Common Curiosities
Is "rain" used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, "rain" can be used as a noun (the rain) and a verb (it will rain).
What is an example of "pour" in a sentence?
e.g., She poured a cup of tea for her guest.
What does "pour" mean?
"Pour" means to cause a liquid to flow in a stream from a container.
Can "pour" describe light rainfall?
No, "pour" usually describes heavy rainfall.
What does "rain" refer to?
"Rain" refers to water droplets falling from the sky due to atmospheric condensation.
Can "pour" refer to weather?
Yes, "pour" can describe heavy rainfall, e.g., "It's pouring rain."
Does "pour" only apply to liquids?
Primarily, though it can metaphorically describe things flowing abundantly.
What kind of weather does "rain" describe?
"Rain" describes weather where water droplets fall from clouds.
What is the difference between "pour" and "rain"?
"Pour" involves a controlled flow of liquid from a container, while "rain" is natural precipitation from the sky.
What is an example of "rain" in a sentence?
e.g., The rain soaked the ground quickly.
What is a common phrase using "rain"?
"Rain cats and dogs," meaning to rain very heavily.
What is a common phrase using "pour"?
"Pour your heart out," meaning to express feelings freely.
Is "pour" always related to liquids?
Mostly, but it can also refer to other substances flowing steadily, like smoke.
Can "pour" be used in cooking?
Yes, e.g., "Pour the sauce over the pasta."
Can "rain" refer to non-water substances?
Metaphorically, yes, e.g., "a rain of arrows."
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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.
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.
