Cue vs Queue
Even though the two words cue and queue sound similar, there is a huge difference between the two in their meaning and, of course, their spelling. Cue refers to a signal that is made in a performance. This signals the actor to enter or perform. This can also denote a long rod that is used for striking a ball in games such as pool, billiard, etc. A queue, on the other hand, is used to refer to a line of people waiting for something. This highlights that these two words are vastly different in meaning from one another. In the English language, these two words are referred to as homophones. Homophones are words that sound similar but are different in meaning. Through this article let us examine these two words and highlight their differences.
What does Cue mean?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word cue can be defined in a number of ways. This is because this word has multiple meanings. Observe the definitions and examples given below.
Cue refers to a signal for action; especially, to an actor to enter or to begin their speech. Look at the following example.
At the school play, our drama teacher asked Tim to give a cue to Mary so that she can enter the stage.
In the above sentence, Tim was asked to give a signal to Mary to enter the stage.
Cue also refers to a long rod for striking the ball in billiard, snooker, and pool games. This would be clear from the following example.
Can you teach me how to play pool, I do not even know how to hold the cue.
Cue can also be used in the form of a verb in which case, cueing or cuing refers to giving a cue. When used with the word up, cue up denotes preparing for something.
What does Queue mean?
A queue can be defined as a line of people or vehicles waiting their turn for something. This can also be used in the form of a verb. In this case, it implies that an individual is waiting in line for something. Let us look at some examples.
Since it was the final day for exam application submissions, there was a long queue at the examination department office.
I had to wait in queue for hours before my turn arrived. Even then the counter had to close for the lunch break.
Just as the word cue up, queue is also used with the word up, in which case queue refers to getting in line. Observe the example given below.
The supervisor asked the employees to queue up to receive the payments.
This highlights that the word queue is very different from the word cue in its usage.
What is the difference between Cue and Queue?
• Definitions of Cue and Queue:
• A cue can be defined as,
A signal for action especially to an actor to enter or to begin their speech.
A long rod for striking the ball in snooker.
• A queue can be defined as a line of people or vehicles waiting their turn for something.
• Homophones:
• Cue and queue are homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same but are different in meaning.
• Verb Form:
Both can be used in the form of verbs.
• Cuing refers to giving a cue.
• Queuing refers to waiting in line.
• Use with Suffix ‘up’:
Both can be used with the suffix ‘up.’
• Cue up denotes preparation.
• Queue up denotes getting in line.
Images Courtesy:
- Snooker cue with two detachable extensions by barfisch (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Queue by BrokenSphere (CC BY-SA 3.0)
