What Does Rain Mean?
Rain is water that falls from clouds as precipitation. As a verb, it means to fall as rain or to send down in large quantities.
Rain functions as a noun / verb.
What Does Reign Mean?
Reign is a noun meaning the period during which a monarch rules, or a verb meaning to rule as king or queen. It also means to be dominant.
Reign functions as a noun / verb.
Rain vs Reign: Key Differences
| Rain | Reign |
|---|---|
| Water from the sky | To rule or a period of ruling |
| Weather phenomenon | Monarchy or dominance |
| "Rain forecast" | "Reign of a king" |
Examples of Rain in a Sentence
- The rain lasted all afternoon.
- It's going to rain tomorrow according to the forecast.
- Confetti rained down on the parade.
- We got caught in a sudden rain shower.
Examples of Reign in a Sentence
- Queen Victoria's reign lasted 63 years.
- The champion reigns supreme in the boxing world.
- During her reign, the kingdom prospered.
- Chaos reigned after the power outage.
How to Remember the Difference
Rain falls on the plain (both have "ain"). A king or queen reigns with a sign of authority (both have "ign").
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The queen's rain lasted over 50 years. | The queen's reign lasted over 50 years. | A period of rule is a 'reign.' |
| It's supposed to reign all weekend. | It's supposed to rain all weekend. | Weather precipitation is 'rain.' |
| Free reign to make decisions. | Free rein to make decisions. | The correct idiom is actually 'free rein' (from horseback riding), not 'free reign.' |
If you are unsure which word fits, try Rephrasely's free grammar checker to catch errors instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it 'free reign' or 'free rein'?
The correct phrase is 'free rein,' referring to loosening a horse's reins to allow free movement. 'Free reign' is a common error, though some dictionaries now list it as an accepted variant.
What about 'rein'?
'Rein' is a strap used to control a horse. As a verb, 'rein in' means to restrain or control something. It is a third word that sounds similar.
Can 'rain' be used figuratively?
Yes. 'Praise rained down on the team' or 'Bombs rained on the city' use 'rain' to describe things falling in large quantities, like actual rain.