April 2, 2002
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What is the difference between a rut & a groove?

A rut is something you get stuck in. A groove is something that works..

Nicci, 27
Las Vegas
, NV   USA

Ruts are impressions made over time, usually accidentally. Miriam Webster (http://www.m-w.com) uses the example of a cart track. It has a negative connotation; ruts can ruin roads, someone can fall into a rut, so on. A groove is often more purposeful--you can make a groove or niche in woodworking, and grooves in the road are often indications of road work nearby. It has a positive connotation, as in "in the groove."

Cancer, 20
NYC
, NY   USA

A rut's what you're in when you're stuck in life and going nowhere and all depressed. A groove is what you get when you listen to some kickin' beats.  Or something.

Talia, 24
Wilton
, CT   USA

A rut is the same old same old and a groove is . . .groovy.

Judy, 61
Easton
, KS   USA

there is no difference; they're both the same thing

Melodi, 19
Gahanna
, OH   USA

A groove is what you say when you want to be nice and a rut is what you say when no one is listening.

Reba, 50+
Silver Spring
, MD  USA

A groove is a smooth track that moves you along, while a rut is an uneven, deeper track in which you can easily get stuck.

Jane, 62
West Linn
, OR   USA

Hmm. In a literal sense, I believe a rut is deeper than a groove. In a figurative sense, a rut to me signifies being "stuck" ... a negative; whereas a groove is a nice place to be...a positive.

Fisch, 46
Preston
, CT   USA

Is this a riddle?

Alias Irrelevante

The difference between being in a rut and a groove is simply perspective. One person's rut is another person's groove.

Laura, 37
Lowell
, MA  USA

A rut is something or a situation that you've gotten yourself in to that you don't necessarily enjoy, but you're just not sure how to get out of it or maybe you can't get out of it. It's frustrating and irritating and all that builds over time. A groove is an enjoyable place. Contentment and satisfying. You choose to stay there.

Triana, 29
Austin
, TX   USA

Usually you are in a groove by choice and in a rut because you have avoided making choices.

Jill, 61
Saylorsburg
, PA  USA

Stuck - rut
Move - groove

Felicia, 36
Lowell
, MA   USA

I guess it depends on how well your bowling game's going.

Keri-Jade, 21
Brampton, Ontario  CANADA

If I'm right a rut is when you do something over and over again that you don't like, and a groove is when you enjoy doing a similar thing. Could be wrong.

Ryan, 28 
Riedlingen  GERMANY

A groove is smoother? And maybe not as deep?

Karen, 22
Ames
, IA   USA

Yesterday /`Tomorrow