Definitions
- Referring to someone who is not yet known well or has just been introduced. - Describing a person who is not yet familiar or close. - Talking about a new or recent acquaintance that one has not yet had the chance to get to know well.
- Referring to someone who is known but not necessarily close or intimate. - Describing a person who is familiar but not necessarily a friend. - Talking about someone who is known through work, school, or other social contexts.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to people who are known but not necessarily close.
- 2Both can be used to describe someone who is not a friend.
- 3Both involve some level of familiarity or recognition.
What is the difference?
- 1Level of familiarity: Inquaintance implies a lower level of familiarity than acquaintance.
- 2Duration of relationship: Inquaintance suggests a newer or more recent relationship than acquaintance.
- 3Intimacy: Acquaintance can imply a higher level of intimacy or closeness than inquaintance.
- 4Frequency of interaction: Acquaintance may suggest a more frequent or ongoing relationship than inquaintance.
- 5Usage: Inquaintance is less common and may be considered outdated or archaic compared to acquaintance.
Remember this!
Inquaintance and acquaintance both refer to people who are known but not necessarily close or intimate. However, inquaintance implies a lower level of familiarity and a newer or more recent relationship than acquaintance. Acquaintance can suggest a higher level of intimacy or frequency of interaction than inquaintance, and it is more commonly used in everyday language.
