What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cousin
Example
My cousin and I used to play together all the time when we were kids. [cousin: noun]
Example
She is my cousin, but we don't see each other very often. [cousin: noun]
relative
Example
All of my relatives are coming to the family reunion this year. [relatives: noun]
Example
He is a distant relative of mine on my mother's side. [relative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relative is a more common term than cousin and is used in a wider range of contexts. Cousin is a more specific term and is used less frequently in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cousin and relative?
Relative is a more formal term than cousin and is commonly used in legal or technical contexts. Cousin is a more informal term and is commonly used in everyday language.
