Score vs. Scratch — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Score refers to obtaining points in a game or achieving a measure, while scratch can mean starting from the beginning or scratching a surface.
Difference Between Score and Scratch
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A score in various contexts generally represents a numerical value quantifying an achievement, particularly in games and sports, where players accumulate points to determine the winner. Whereas, scratch often refers to the act of marking or cutting a surface with a sharp object, highlighting physical alteration.
In the world of competitions and assessments, to score can also mean to notch a success or reach a level of accomplishment, such as scoring high on a test. On the other hand, scratch used figuratively, can describe beginning an effort or project from an initial point without prior progress, as in starting from scratch.
A score refers to the written form of music, which includes all musical parts and lyrics, providing a complete blueprint for performance. In contrast, scratch in the DJing world refers to a technique where the DJ moves a vinyl record back and forth on a turntable to produce percussive sounds.
In cooking, scratch implies making dishes from basic ingredients without using pre-made components, emphasizing freshness and authenticity. Conversely, a score in culinary terms might mean to make shallow cuts on the surface of a piece of meat or bread, which can help in cooking and flavor absorption.
In terms of sports strategy, players score points to win games, demonstrating offensive skills. Scratch, however, often appears in terms like "scratch player" in golf, denoting a player with a zero handicap, which represents a high skill level not starting from any advantage.
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Comparison Chart
Definition in Sports
Points earned in a game.
Starting line or position.
Use in Music
Written notation of a musical piece.
DJ technique of manipulating records.
Figurative Meaning
Achieve or attain.
Begin from an initial point with no advantage.
Culinary Usage
To make cuts on food items.
Cooking using basic, unprepared ingredients.
Literal Meaning
To mark or cut a surface lightly.
To mark or gouge a surface deeply.
Compare with Definitions
Score
To evaluate and mark a test or performance.
The teacher scored the exams over the weekend.
Scratch
A starting point with no advantage.
He built his business from scratch.
Score
A record of points or a tally in a game or competition.
She had the highest score in the final round.
Scratch
To mark or cut the surface of something with a sharp object.
Be careful not to scratch the table.
Score
To achieve success in an endeavor.
He scored a deal with the large corporation.
Scratch
Used to describe making something from basic ingredients.
She prefers to make her cookies from scratch.
Score
To make a notch or scratch on a surface.
Use a knife to score the wood before cutting.
Scratch
To withdraw from a competition or race.
He had to scratch from the tournament due to an injury.
Score
The written form of a musical composition.
The conductor studied the score closely before the performance.
Scratch
In DJing, to produce sounds by moving vinyl back and forth on a turntable.
He can scratch records to create dynamic beats.
Score
A usually numerical record of a competitive event
Keeping score.
Scratch
Score or mark the surface of (something) with a sharp or pointed object
He scratched at a stain on his jacket
The car's paintwork was battered and scratched
Score
The total number of points made by each competitor or side in a contest, either final or at a given stage
The score stood tied in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Scratch
Cancel or strike out (writing) with a pen or pencil
The name of Dr McNab was scratched out and that of Dr Dunstaple substituted
Score
The number of points attributed to a competitor or team.
Scratch
Play a record using the scratch technique.
He raps and scratches simultaneously to dazzling effect
Score
A result, usually expressed numerically, of a test or examination.
Scratch
A mark or wound made by scratching
The scratches on her arm were throbbing
Score
An amount due; a debt.
Scratch
A technique, used especially in rap music, of stopping a record by hand and moving it back and forwards to give a rhythmic scratching effect
A scratch mix
Score
A grievance that is harbored and requires satisfaction
Settle an old score.
Scratch
(in sport) the starting point in a race for a competitor that is not given a handicap or advantage
A 631-metres handicap, when the excellent stayer, Too Fast, will be off scratch
Score
A ground; a reason
You have nothing to worry about on that score.
Scratch
Money
He was working to get some scratch together
Score
A group of 20 items.
Scratch
Assembled or made from whatever is available, and so unlikely to be of the highest quality
City were fielding a scratch squad
Score
Scores Large numbers
Scores of people attended the rally.
Scratch
(of a sports competitor or event) with no handicap given
He was a scratch player at many courses
Score
The notation of a musical work.
Scratch
To make a thin shallow cut or mark on (a surface) with a sharp instrument.
Score
The written form of a composition for orchestral or vocal parts.
Scratch
To use the nails or claws to dig or scrape at.
Score
The music written for a film or a play.
Scratch
To rub or scrape (the skin) to relieve itching.
Score
The act of securing an advantage, especially a surprising or significant gain
"He had dropped out of school and gone for that quick dollar, that big score" (Peter Goldman).
Scratch
To scrape or strike on an abrasive surface.
Score
The act or an instance of buying illicit drugs.
Scratch
To write or draw (something) by scraping a surface
Scratched their initials on a rock.
Score
A successful robbery.
Scratch
To write or draw hurriedly
Scratched off a thank-you note.
Score
A notch or incision, especially one that is made to keep a tally.
Scratch
To strike out or cancel (a word, for example) by or as if by drawing lines through.
Score
To achieve or accomplish
Scored a success in the play.
Scratch
(Slang) To cancel (a project or program, for example).
Score
To achieve or gain in a game or contest
Score a touchdown.
Scratch
To withdraw (an entry) from a contest or competition
The jockey decided to scratch the horse when it sprained its ankle.
Score
To count or be worth as points
A basket scores two points.
Scratch
To withdraw an entry from (a contest or competition)
Having won three races already, the swimmer scratched her final event.
Score
To keep a written record of the score or events of (a game or contest).
Scratch
To use the nails or claws to dig, scrape, or wound.
Score
(Baseball) To cause (a base runner) to cross home plate, especially by getting a hit
Scored both runners with a double.
Scratch
To rub or scrape the skin to relieve itching.
Score
To evaluate and assign a grade to
Score a test.
Scratch
To make a harsh scraping sound.
Score
To orchestrate (a piece of music).
Scratch
To gather funds or produce a living with difficulty.
Score
To arrange for a specific instrument.
Scratch
To withdraw from a contest or competition.
Score
To criticize cuttingly; berate.
Scratch
(Games) To make a shot in billiards that results in a penalty, as when the cue ball falls into a pocket or jumps the cushion.
Score
To succeed in acquiring
Scored two tickets to the play.
Scratch
A mark resembling a line that is produced by scratching.
Score
To succeed in obtaining (an illicit drug)
"Aging punks try to impress her with tales of ... the different drugs they've scored" (Art Jahnke).
Scratch
A slight wound.
Score
To mark (a piece of paper or wood, for example) with lines or notches, especially for the purpose of keeping a record.
Scratch
A hasty scribble.
Score
To cancel or eliminate by superimposing lines.
Scratch
A sound made by scratching.
Score
To mark the surface of (meat, for example) with usually parallel cuts.
Scratch
(Sports) The starting line for a race.
Score
To make a point or points in a game or contest.
Scratch
A contestant who has been withdrawn from a competition.
Score
To record the score or progress of a game or contest.
Scratch
The act of scratching in billiards.
Score
To achieve a purpose or advantage, especially to make a surprising gain or coup
"They ... score in places like the bond market" (Mike Barnicle).
Scratch
A fluke or chance shot in billiards.
Score
To succeed in buying or obtaining an illicit drug.
Scratch
Poultry feed.
Score
The total number of goals, points, runs, etc. earned by a participant in a game.
The player with the highest score is the winner.
Scratch
(Slang) Money.
Score
The number of points accrued by each of the participants in a game, expressed as a ratio or a series of numbers.
The score is 8-1 even though it's not even half-time!
Scratch
Done haphazardly or by chance.
Score
The performance of an individual or group on an examination or test, expressed by a number, letter, or other symbol; a grade.
The test scores for this class were high.
Scratch
Assembled hastily or at random.
Score
Twenty, 20.
Some words have scores of meanings.
Scratch
(Sports) Having no golf handicap.
Score
(gambling) An amount of money won in gambling; winnings.
Scratch
To rub a surface with a sharp object, especially by a living creature to remove itching with nails, claws, etc.
Could you please scratch my back?
Score
A weight of twenty pounds.
Scratch
To rub the skin with rough material causing a sensation of irritation; to cause itching.
I don't like that new scarf because it scratches my neck.
Score
(music) The written form of a musical composition showing all instrumental and vocal parts.
Scratch
To irritate someone's skin with one's unshaven beard when kissing.
Score
(music) The music of a movie or play.
Scratch
To mark a surface with a sharp object, thereby leaving a scratch (noun).
A real diamond can easily scratch a pane of glass.
Score
Subject.
Scratch
(of a surface) to get such scratches
This platter scratches easily.
Score
Account; reason; motive; sake; behalf.
Scratch
To cross out, strike out, strike through some text on a page.
Score
A notch or incision; especially, one that is made as a tally mark; hence, a mark, or line, made for the purpose of account.
Scratch
Hence, to remove, ignore, or delete.
Scratch what I said earlier; I was wrong.
When the favorite was scratched from the race, there was a riot at the betting windows.
Score
An account or reckoning; account of dues; bill; debt.
Scratch
(music) To produce a distinctive sound on a turntable by moving a vinyl record back and forth while manipulating the crossfader (see also scratching).
Score
A criminal act, especially:
Scratch
(billiards) To commit a foul in pool, as where the cue ball is put into a pocket or jumps off the table.
Embarrassingly, he scratched on the break, popping the cue completely off the table.
Score
A robbery.
Let's pull a score!
Scratch
To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
Score
A bribe paid to a police officer.
Scratch
To write or draw hastily or awkwardly; scrawl.
Score
An illegal sale, especially of drugs.
He made a big score.
Scratch
(ambitransitive) To dig or excavate with the claws.
Some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
Score
A prostitute's client.
Scratch
To dig or scrape (a person's skin) with claws or fingernails in self-defense or with the intention to injure.
The cat scratched the little girl.
Score
In the Lowestoft area, a narrow pathway running down a cliff to the beach.
Scratch
To announce one's non-participation in a race or sports event part of a larger sports meeting that they were previously signed up for, usually in lieu of another event at the same meeting.
Score
(transitive) To cut a notch or a groove in a surface.
The baker scored the cake so that the servers would know where to slice it.
Scratch
A disruption, mark or shallow cut on a surface made by scratching.
I can’t believe there is a scratch in the paint already.
Her skin was covered with tiny scratches.
Score
(intransitive) To record the tally of points for a game, a match, or an examination.
Scratch
An act of scratching the skin to alleviate an itch or irritation.
The dog sat up and had a good scratch.
Score
(ambitransitive) To obtain something desired.
Scratch
(sports)
Score
To earn points in a game.
It is unusual for a team to score a hundred goals in one game.
Pelé scores again!
Scratch
A starting line (originally and simply, a line scratched in the ground), as in boxing.
Score
To achieve (a score) in e.g. a test.
Scratch
A technical error of touching or surpassing the starting mark prior to the official start signal in the sporting events of long jump, discus, hammer throw, shot put, and similar. Originally the starting mark was a scratch on the ground but is now a board or precisely indicated mark.
Score
(gambling) To win money by gambling.
Scratch
(cycling) The last riders to depart in a handicap race.
Score
(slang) To acquire or gain.
I scored some drugs last night.
Did you score tickets for the concert?
Scratch
(billiards) An aberration.
Score
To extract a bribe.
Scratch
(horse racing) A horse withdrawn from a race prior to the start.
There were two scratches in race 8, which reduced the field from 9 horses to 7.
Score
(transitive) To provide (a film, etc.) with a musical score.
Scratch
(meiosis) An injury.
It's just a scratch!
Score
Acknowledgement of success
Scratch
(slang) Money.
Score
A notch or incision; especially, one that is made as a tally mark; hence, a mark, or line, made for the purpose of account.
Whereas, before, our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used.
Scratch
A feed, usually a mixture of a few common grains, given to chickens.
Score
An account or reckoning; account of dues; bill; hence, indebtedness.
He parted well, and paid his score.
Scratch
(in the plural) Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
Score
Account; reason; motive; sake; behalf.
But left the trade, as many moreHave lately done on the same score.
You act your kindness in Cydaria's score.
Scratch
A scratch wig.
Score
The number twenty, as being marked off by a special score or tally; hence, in pl., a large number.
Amongst three or four score hogsheads.
At length the queen took upon herself to grant patents of monopoly by scores.
Scratch
(music) A genre of Virgin Islander music, better known as fungi.
Score
A weight of twenty pounds.
Scratch
Scrawled or illegible handwriting; chicken scratch.
Score
The number of points gained by the contestants, or either of them, in any game, as in cards or cricket.
Scratch
For or consisting of preliminary or tentative, incomplete, etc. work.
This is scratch paper, so go ahead and scribble whatever you want on it.
Score
A line drawn; a groove or furrow.
Scratch
Hastily assembled, arranged or constructed, from whatever materials are to hand, with little or no preparation
Score
The original and entire draught, or its transcript, of a composition, with the parts for all the different instruments or voices written on staves one above another, so that they can be read at a glance; - so called from the bar, which, in its early use, was drawn through all the parts.
Scratch
(computing) Relating to a scratchpad, a data structure or recording medium attached to a machine for testing or temporary use.
Scratch memory
Score
The grade received on an examination, such as those given in school or as a qualifying examination for a job or admission to school; - it may be expressed as a percentage of answers which are correct, or as a number or letter; as, a score of 98 in a civil service exam.
Does not the earth quit scores with all the elements in the noble fruits that issue from it?
Scratch
(sports) (of a player) Of a standard high enough to play without a handicap, i.e. to compete without the benefit of a variation in scoring based on ability.
Score
To mark with lines, scratches, or notches; to cut notches or furrows in; to notch; to scratch; to furrow; as, to score timber for hewing; to score the back with a lash.
Let us score their backs.
A briar in that tangled wildernessHad scored her white right hand.
Scratch
To rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or ragged; to scrape, roughen, or wound slightly by drawing something pointed or rough across, as the claws, the nails, a pin, or the like.
Small sand-colored stones, so hard as to scratch glass.
Be mindful, when invention fails,To scratch your head, and bite your nails.
Score
Especially, to mark with significant lines or notches, for indicating or keeping account of something; as, to score a tally.
Scratch
To write or draw hastily or awkwardly.
Score
To mark or signify by lines or notches; to keep record or account of; to set down; to record; to charge.
Madam, I know when,Instead of five, you scored me ten.
Nor need I tallies thy dear love to score.
Scratch
To cancel by drawing one or more lines through, as the name of a candidate upon a ballot, or of a horse in a list; hence, to erase; to efface; - often with out.
Score
To engrave, as upon a shield.
Scratch
To dig or excavate with the claws; as, some animals scratch holes, in which they burrow.
Score
To make a score of, as points, runs, etc., in a game.
Scratch
To use the claws or nails in tearing or in digging; to make scratches.
Dull, tame things, . . . that will neither bite nor scratch.
Score
To mark with parallel lines or scratches; as, the rocks of New England and the Western States were scored in the drift epoch.
Scratch
To score, not by skillful play but by some fortunate chance of the game.
Score
To keep the score in a game; to act as scorer.
Scratch
A break in the surface of a thing made by scratching, or by rubbing with anything pointed or rough; a slight wound, mark, furrow, or incision.
The coarse file . . . makes deep scratches in the work.
These nails with scratches deform my breast.
God forbid a shallow scratch should driveThe prince of Wales from such a field as this.
Score
To make or count a point or points, as in a game; to tally.
Scratch
A line across the prize ring; up to which boxers are brought when they join fight; hence, test, trial, or proof of courage; as, to bring to the scratch; to come up to the scratch.
Score
To run up a score, or account of dues.
Scratch
Minute, but tender and troublesome, excoriations, covered with scabs, upon the heels of horses which have been used where it is very wet or muddy.
Score
To purchase drugs illegally.
Scratch
A kind of wig covering only a portion of the head.
Score
A number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance);
She made good marks in algebra
Grade A milk
What was your score on your homework?
Scratch
A shot which scores by chance and not as intended by the player; a fluke.
Score
A written form of a musical composition; parts for different instruments appear on separate staves on large pages;
He studied the score of the sonata
Scratch
In various sports, the line from which the start is made, except in the case of contestants receiving a distance handicap.
Score
A number that expresses the accomplishment of a team or an individual in a game or contest;
The score was 7 to 0
Scratch
Made, done, or happening by chance; arranged with little or no preparation; determined by circumstances; haphazard; as, a scratch team; a scratch crew for a boat race; a scratch shot in billiards.
Score
A set of twenty members;
A score were sent out but only one returned
Scratch
An abraded area where the skin is torn or worn off
Score
Grounds;
Don't do it on my account
The paper was rejected on account of its length
He tried to blame the victim but his success on that score was doubtful
Scratch
A depression scratched or carved into a surface
Score
The facts about an actual situation;
He didn't know the score
Scratch
Informal terms for money
Score
An amount due (as at a restaurant or bar);
Add it to my score and I'll settle later
Scratch
Dry mash for poultry
Score
A slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)
Scratch
A harsh noise made by scraping;
The scrape of violin bows distracted her
Score
A resentment strong enough to justify retaliation;
Holding a grudge
Settling a score
Scratch
Poor handwriting
Score
The act of scoring in a game or sport;
The winning score came with less than a minute left to play
Scratch
An indication of damage
Score
Gain points in a game;
The home team scored many times
He hit a home run
He hit .300 in the past season
Scratch
Cause friction;
My sweater scratches
Score
Make small marks into the surface of;
Score the clay before firing it
Scratch
Cut the surface of; wear away the surface of
Score
Make underscoring marks
Scratch
Scrape or rub as if to relieve itching;
Don't scratch your insect bites!
Score
Write a musical score for
Score
Get a certain number or letter indicating quality or performance;
She scored high on the SAT
He scored a 200
Score
Assign a grade or rank to, according to one's evaluation;
Grade tests
Score the SAT essays
Mark homework
Common Curiosities
Can scratching a surface be repaired?
Yes, depending on the material and severity, scratches can often be buffed out or filled.
What is a scratch golfer?
A scratch golfer is a player who can play to a course handicap of zero.
What does it mean to start from scratch?
Starting from scratch means beginning an activity or project without any previous preparation or advantage.
What does it mean to score a film?
Scoring a film refers to composing music specifically to accompany the scenes in a movie, enhancing the emotional and narrative aspects.
How do you score music?
Scoring music involves creating or arranging written music for performers.
How is the term "scratch" used in computer programming?
In computer programming, starting from scratch means beginning the development of a program or software from nothing, without using any existing code as a basis.
Can animals also scratch surfaces?
Yes, animals, particularly cats and dogs, often scratch surfaces to mark territory, sharpen their claws, or simply as a part of playing or exploring.
What is scoring in sports?
Scoring in sports refers to the act of earning points or goals in a game.
How do you use the term "score" in cooking?
In cooking, to score means to make shallow cuts on the surface of food, such as meat or bread, which can help in even cooking and flavor absorption.
What is meant by 'scratching' in lottery tickets?
Scratching in the context of lottery tickets involves using a coin or a similar object to remove the cover of hidden numbers or symbols to reveal whether the ticket is a winner.
Is it possible to score a perfect score on standardized tests?
Yes, achieving a perfect score on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT is possible, though it requires exceptional knowledge and test-taking skills.
What does it mean to 'scratch someone's back'?
The phrase "to scratch someone's back" is a figurative way of saying to do a favor for someone with the expectation that they will do something for you in return.
What are some common materials that easily get scratched?
Common materials that easily get scratched include soft metals like aluminum, plastic surfaces, and softer woods.
What should you do if you scratch another person's car?
If you scratch another person's car, it's important to leave your contact information or report the incident to the owner and your insurance company.
Are there any tools specifically made for scoring materials in crafts?
Yes, specific tools designed for scoring materials in crafts include scoring boards for paper crafts, glass cutters for glass, and tile scorers for ceramic materials.
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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
Maham Liaqat
