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.
Difference Between Rain and Reign
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Octopus vs. JellyfishNext Comparison
Blimp vs. ZeppelinAuthor Spotlight
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.