Mountain vs Hill
Although there is a thin line of difference between mountain and hill, the two words cannot be used as synonyms. It is important to emphasize this because mountains and hills are often used interchangeably, though they are distinct. Both mountain and hill are nouns, but hill can also be used as a verb. Mountain originates from Middle English, while hill has its origin in Old English. The adjective form of mountain is mountainy, and there are several phrases that use the words mountain and hill.
What does Hill mean?
A hill is a small, natural elevation of the earth’s surface. Unlike a mountain, a hill does not reach a high altitude, usually attaining a height of no more than one-fourth that of a mountain. Consequently, expressions such as “ant hill” are used. A hill can also be an artificial heap or mound of some kind of substance, or a natural heap or mound of earth raised around a cultivated plant or group of plants. For example, the expression “a hill of potatoes” is used. Unlike a mountain, a hill is not characterized by the presence of a summit. The term hill is also used in phrases such as “over the hill” and “a hill of beans.”
What does Mountain mean?
A mountain, on the other hand, is a large, natural elevation of the earth’s surface that rises more or less abruptly to a summit. A mountain usually reaches an altitude greater than that of a hill, sometimes reaching an altitude of around 2000 feet. The term mountain can also be used to describe a large mass of something resembling a high, natural elevation of the earth’s surface. For example, the expression “a mountain of accumulated mail” is used. The word mountain is sometimes used as an adjective, as in “mountain wind” or “mountain people,” which refers to people living in mountainous regions. A mountain is usually characterized by the presence of a summit. Some expressions in which the word mountain is used as an adjective include “mountain of files” and “mountaintop.”
What is the difference between Mountain and Hill?
• A hill is a small, natural elevation of the earth’s surface, while a mountain is a large, natural elevation of the earth’s surface that rises more or less abruptly to a summit. This is the main difference between a mountain and a hill.
• A mountain usually attains an altitude greater than that of a hill.
• Sometimes, the word mountain is used as an adjective, as in “mountain people.”
• A mountain is usually characterized by the presence of a summit, while a hill is not.
Key Takeaways
- A hill is a small, natural elevation of the earth’s surface, while a mountain is a large, natural elevation that rises more or less abruptly to a summit.
- A mountain usually has a higher altitude than a hill.
- A mountain is often characterized by the presence of a summit, while a hill is not.
