Definitions
- When you mention or direct someone to a specific person, place, or thing. - When you use a source of information to support your argument or point of view. - When you pass on a matter to someone else who is better equipped to handle it.
- When you connect or associate two or more things or ideas. - When you share a personal experience or story that is similar to someone else's. - When you communicate or establish a relationship with someone.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve making a connection between two or more things.
- 2Both words can be used in a social or interpersonal context.
- 3Both words can be used as verbs.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Refer is often used to direct someone to a specific person, place, or thing, while relate is more commonly used to connect or associate two or more ideas or experiences.
- 2Focus: Refer emphasizes the act of directing or passing on something, while relate emphasizes the act of connecting or sharing.
- 3Formality: Refer is generally more formal than relate, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 4Connotation: Refer can have a neutral or even negative connotation, while relate has a more positive and empathetic connotation.
- 5Grammatical structure: Refer is often followed by 'to' or 'as', while relate is often followed by 'with' or 'to'.
Remember this!
Refer and relate are both verbs that involve making connections between two or more things. However, refer is often used to direct someone to a specific person, place, or thing, while relate is more commonly used to connect or associate two or more ideas or experiences. Additionally, refer is generally more formal and can have a neutral or negative connotation, while relate is more versatile and has a positive and empathetic connotation.
