count and counting share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. count means “determine the number or amount of”. counting means “the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order”. count is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈkaʊnt/
1.v.determine the number or amount of
“Can you count the books on your shelf?”
2.v.have weight; have import, carry weight
“It does not matter much”
3.v.show consideration for; take into account
“You must consider her age”
/ˈkaʊntɪŋ/
1.n.the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order
“the counting continued for several hours”
| count | counting | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈkaʊnt/ | /ˈkaʊntɪŋ/ |
| Said | kownt | KOWN-ting |
| Syllables | 1 | 2 |
| Letters | 5 | 8 |
| Parts of speech | verb, noun | noun |
| Senses | 12 | 1 |
| How common | Core | Common |
| Synonyms | number, enumerate, numerate | count, numeration, enumeration |
Full entry for count · Full entry for counting · More comparisons