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Rain vs. Reign — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 28, 2024
Rain refers to precipitation, whereas reign denotes a period of rule or dominance.
Rain vs. Reign — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Rain and Reign

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Key Differences

Rain is water that falls from clouds in the form of droplets, essential for sustaining plant and animal life. Whereas reign describes the period during which a sovereign or monarch holds supreme authority over a territory.
Rain occurs naturally as part of the Earth's hydrological cycle, influencing weather patterns and ecosystems. On the other hand, a reign can be shaped by political, historical, and cultural contexts, impacting human societies.
Rain can vary in intensity, duration, and type (like drizzle or thunderstorm), affecting agriculture and water supply. Conversely, the nature of a reign can range from benevolent to tyrannical, influencing the prosperity or suffering of a nation.
Rain is measured in terms of precipitation levels and its impact on climate conditions. In contrast, a reign is often evaluated by the duration, effectiveness, and legacy left by the ruler or governing period.
Rain is essential for replenishing freshwater resources and maintaining ecological balance. Meanwhile, a successful reign is crucial for ensuring political stability and fostering economic growth.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Precipitation of water droplets
Period of rule by a sovereign

Occurrence

Natural, part of weather cycles
Result of political structures

Measurement

Millimeters or inches of water
Years or terms of authority

Impact on Nature

Vital for ecosystems
Irrelevant

Impact on Society

Affects water supply, agriculture
Influences governance, policy

Compare with Definitions

Rain

To fall from the sky like raindrops.
Tears rained down her cheeks during the movie.

Reign

To hold supreme power.
She reigned over the company as CEO for decades.

Rain

To rain something down (idiomatic).
Arrows rained down on the invaders.

Reign

Supreme authority or rule.
He reigned supreme in all matters of the court.

Rain

A large quantity of items falling rapidly.
It rained confetti at the parade.

Reign

The rule of a monarch.
Queen Victoria's reign was one of the longest in British history.

Rain

Precipitation in liquid form.
The forecast predicts rain later in the afternoon.

Reign

The period a concept or fashion is dominant.
Minimalism has begun its reign in interior design.

Rain

To offer abundantly.
Gifts rained upon the birthday boy.

Reign

Metaphorically, to prevail.
Silence reigned in the room after the announcement.

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.

Reign

A reign is the period of a person's or dynasty's occupation of the office of monarch of a nation (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Andorra), of a people (e.g., the Franks, the Zulus) or of a spiritual community (e.g., Catholicism, Tibetan Buddhism, Nizari Ismailism). In most hereditary monarchies and some elective monarchies (e.g., Holy Roman Empire) there have been no limits on the duration of a sovereign's reign or incumbency, nor is there a term of office.

Rain

The condensed moisture of the atmosphere falling visibly in separate drops
It's pouring with rain
The rain had not stopped for days

Reign

Hold royal office; rule as monarch
Queen Elizabeth reigns over the UK

Rain

Rain falls
It was beginning to rain

Reign

The period of rule of a monarch
The original chapel was built in the reign of Charles I

Rain

Water condensed from atmospheric vapor and falling in drops.

Reign

Exercise of sovereign power, as by a monarch.

Rain

A fall of such water; a rainstorm.

Reign

The period during which a monarch rules.

Rain

The descent of such water.

Reign

Dominance or widespread influence
The reign of reason.

Rain

Rainy weather.

Reign

To exercise sovereign power
Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901.

Rain

Rains A rainy season.

Reign

To hold the title of monarch, but with limited authority.

Rain

A heavy or abundant fall
A rain of fluffy cottonwood seeds.
A rain of insults.

Reign

To be predominant or prevalent
Panic reigned as the fire spread.

Rain

To fall in drops of water from the clouds.

Reign

The exercise of sovereign power.
England prospered under Elizabeth I's reign.

Rain

To fall like rain
Praise rained down on the composer.

Reign

The period during which a monarch rules.
The reign of Victoria was a long one.

Rain

To release rain.

Reign

The territory or sphere over which a kingdom; empire; realm; dominion, etc. is ruled.

Rain

To send or pour down.

Reign

(intransitive) To exercise sovereign power, to rule as a monarch.
He reigned in an autocratic manner.

Rain

To give abundantly; shower
Rain gifts.
Rain curses upon their heads.

Reign

To reign over (a country)

Rain

Condensed water falling from a cloud.
We've been having a lot of rain lately.
The rains came late that year.

Reign

To be the winner of the most recent iteration of a competition.

Rain

(figuratively) Any matter moving or falling, usually through air, and especially if liquid or otherwise figuratively identifiable with raindrops.

Reign

To be a dominant quality of a place or situation; to prevail, predominate, rule.
Silence reigned.

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.

Reign

Royal authority; supreme power; sovereignty; rule; dominion.
He who like a father held his reign.
Saturn's sons received the threefold reignOf heaven, of ocean, and deep hell beneath.

Rain

(impersonal) To have rain fall from the sky.
Judging by the black cloud, it will rain later today.

Reign

The territory or sphere which is reigned over; kingdom; empire; realm; dominion.
[God] him bereft the regne that he had.

Rain

(intransitive) To fall as or like rain.
Tears rained from her eyes.
Leaves rained from the tree.
Bombs rained from the sky.

Reign

The time during which a king, queen, or emperor possesses the supreme authority; as, it happened in the reign of Elizabeth.

Rain

(transitive) To issue (something) in large quantities.
The boxer rained punches on his opponent's head.

Reign

To possess or exercise sovereign power or authority; to exercise government, as a king or emperor;; to hold supreme power; to rule.
We will not have this man to reign over us.
Shall Banquo's issue everReign in this kingdom?

Rain

Reign.

Reign

Hence, to be predominant; to prevail.

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.

Reign

To have superior or uncontrolled dominion; to rule.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body.

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.

Reign

A period during which something or somebody is dominant or powerful;
He was helpless under the reign of his egotism

Rain

To fall or drop like water from the clouds; as, tears rained from their eyes.

Reign

The period during which a monarch is sovereign;
During the reign of Henry VIII

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.

Reign

Royal authority; the dominion of a monarch

Rain

To bestow in a profuse or abundant manner; as, to rain favors upon a person.

Reign

Have sovereign power;
Henry VIII reigned for a long time

Rain

Water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

Reign

Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance;
Money reigns supreme here
Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood

Rain

Drops of fresh water that fall as precipitation from clouds

Rain

Anything happening rapidly or in quick successive;
A rain of bullets
A pelting of insults

Rain

Precipitate as rain;
If it rains much more, we can expect some flooding

Common Curiosities

What is rain?

Rain is water that falls from the sky, which is vital for all forms of life on Earth.

Can the word rain be used figuratively?

Yes, rain can be used figuratively to describe anything falling in large quantities.

Can rain be harmful?

Excessive rain can lead to natural disasters like floods and landslides.

What impact does a monarch's reign have on a country?

A monarch's reign can significantly influence a nation's culture, economy, and international relations.

What is the importance of a reign in historical contexts?

Reigns are pivotal for understanding historical changes and developments.

How can a reign end?

A reign can end through abdication, overthrow, or natural demise.

How does rain affect the environment?

Rain helps sustain ecosystems, replenishes water bodies, and supports agriculture.

What does reign mean?

Reign refers to the period during which a person or concept holds supreme authority.

How do scientists measure rain?

Scientists measure rain in terms of millimeters or inches using rain gauges.

Is reign always related to royalty?

Not always, reign can also refer to the dominance of ideas or trends.

What factors influence the length of a reign?

Political stability, laws of succession, and historical events can influence the duration of a reign.

What types of rain are there?

Common types include drizzle, shower, and thunderstorm.

What does it mean to "reign supreme"?

To dominate in a certain area or field.

Does rain have any cultural significance?

In many cultures, rain is seen as a cleanser or a bringer of life.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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 Rafique
Fiza 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.

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