What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cognate
Example
The English word 'mother' and the Spanish word 'madre' are cognates. [cognate: noun]
Example
The French word 'amour' and the Italian word 'amore' are cognate words. [cognate: adjective]
related
Example
The two books are related because they both explore the theme of love. [related: adjective]
Example
She is my cousin, so we are related. [related: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Related is a more commonly used word in everyday language, as it has a broader meaning and can be applied to various contexts. Cognate is a more specialized term used primarily in linguistics and language-related discussions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cognate and related?
While cognate is considered a more technical and formal term, related is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
