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 similar words. [cognate: adjective]
Example
The word 'mother' in English and 'mutter' in German are cognates. [cognates: plural noun]
kindred
Example
The two sisters had a kindred bond, always understanding each other. [kindred: adjective]
Example
The artist felt a kindred spirit with the poet, both expressing their emotions through their respective art forms. [kindred: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kindred is more commonly used than cognate in everyday language. Kindred can be used to describe various relationships or connections, while cognate is more specific to language relationships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cognate and kindred?
While cognate is associated with a more formal and technical tone, kindred is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
