What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cognate
Example
English and German are cognate languages, sharing many similarities in vocabulary and grammar. [cognate: adjective]
Example
The word 'mother' in English and 'mutter' in German are cognates, both derived from the same Proto-Indo-European root. [cognates: plural noun]
akin
Example
The two paintings are akin in style and subject matter. [akin: adjective]
Example
Siblings are often considered akin due to their shared blood relation. [akin: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Akin is more commonly used than cognate in everyday language. Akin is a more general term that can be applied to various situations, while cognate is more specific and commonly used in linguistic or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cognate and akin?
Both cognate and akin can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cognate may be perceived as more formal due to its technical nature and association with linguistics.
