stow versus store

[englishhobby]

I am a bit confused by the different definitions Cambridge and Longman online dictionaries give for the word 'stow'. The Longman's definition is 'to put or pack something tidily away in a space until you need it again[= stash]') while the Cambridge definition is 'to store something'. What is the difference between the two words? Am I right in thinking that 'stowing' implies more care than just 'storing'?

 

[J&K Tutoring]

These two words have many uses- especially store, so there is a lot of overlap.

I think you come close to a difference with "until you need it again" We stow things we will use again, but we store bulk items to be consumed a bit at a time. Stored items generally will not be returned to storage.

I tend also to think of stow as a nautical term. Everything on a boat must be kept in the most efficient way possible, so some things we might leave out at home must be put away after each use at sea.

 

[emsr2d2]

The only place I hear the word "stow" these days is on a plane. The announcements use it in "Please stow your hand luggage in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you". I am aware that it is also used as a nautical term but it's a long time since I've travelled by boat/ship.

 

[englishhobby]

Stored items generally will not be returned to storage.

And how about storing/stowing old things in the attic? Are they stored or stowed there? (Some of them may come in handy one day.)

 

[emsr2d2]

For me, they're stored or kept there (or hidden away!)

 

[J&K Tutoring]

That's right- some expressions used in air travel were appropriated from sailing terms. Bulkhead, cabin, steward, and galley come to mind- I'm sure there must be others.

 

[GoesStation]

That's right- some expressions used in air travel were appropriated from sailing terms. Bulkhead, cabin, steward, and galley come to mind- I'm sure there must be others.

Some airlines have pursers. Airplanes operate under the command of a captain, who's assisted by a first officer. The person operating the controls is the pilot, who keeps the aircraft in trim.