DifferencesSolute:The substance that is dissolved.Usually lesser in amount.Example: Salt in saltwater.Solvent:The substance that does the dissolving.Usually greater in amount.Example: Water in saltwater.Similarities (Middle of Venn Diagram):Both are parts of a solution.Both are involved in the process of dissolving.Both can be liquid, solid, or gas, but commonly: solvent is liquid, solute is solid.