“Hit” vs. “Beat”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “hit” and “beat”

  • While both words can mean to strike, "hit" emphasizes forceful impact, while "beat" suggests repeated strikes.
  • "Hit" can also refer to reaching a certain level or number as in "hitting my target score," while "beat" can imply a competitive situation where one team wins over another.
  • "Beat" can also refer to rhythmic movements or sounds, while "hit" does not have this connotation.
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What is the definition of “hit” and “beat”?

Hit
  • To strike forcefully with one's hand or a tool.
  • Can also refer to reaching a particular number or level.
  • Can be used informally to mean visiting or going to a place.
Beat
  • To strike repeatedly or to forcefully defeat someone in a competition or fight.
  • Can also refer to pulsating or rhythmic sounds or movements.
  • Can be used informally to mean being exhausted or worn out.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Hit” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Hit
2,120,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. He hit the ball with the baseball bat for the first time.
  2. The company hit its target revenue for the year.
  3. We finally hit the outskirts of the city by dusk.
Beat
903,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The drummer beat the drums rhythmically.
  2. The cheerleaders waved their pom-poms to the beat of the music.
  3. She beat the eggs until they were light and fluffy.
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