What is the difference between rumour and gossip?

Definitions

rumour

- Referring to unverified information or news that is circulating among people.

- Talking about a piece of information that is not confirmed or substantiated.

- Describing a story or statement that is being spread around without any evidence.

gossip

- Referring to casual conversation about other people's personal lives, often involving sensational or scandalous details.

- Talking about the sharing of information about someone's private affairs or secrets.

- Describing the act of spreading rumours or stories about someone, often without their knowledge or consent.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both involve the sharing of information.
• 2. Both can be untrue or unverified.
• 3. Both can be harmful to the reputation of the person involved.
• 4. Both can spread quickly through word of mouth.
• 5. Both can be used to manipulate or control others.

What is the difference?

• 1. Scope: Rumours are usually about events or situations, while gossip is often about people and their personal lives.
• 2. Intent: Rumours may be spread unintentionally, while gossip is often spread deliberately for entertainment or to gain attention.
• 3. Content: Rumours may be based on some truth, while gossip is often exaggerated or completely false.
• 4. Audience: Rumours can be spread among a wide range of people, while gossip is often shared within a specific social group.
• 5. Connotation: Rumours have a more neutral connotation, while gossip can have a negative connotation due to its association with spreading personal information without permission.

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Remember this!

Rumour and gossip are both related to the sharing of information, but they differ in scope, intent, content, audience, and connotation. Rumours are usually about events or situations and may be spread unintentionally, while gossip is often about people's personal lives and is often spread deliberately for entertainment or attention. Rumours may be based on some truth, while gossip is often exaggerated or completely false. Rumours have a more neutral connotation, while gossip can have a negative connotation due to its association with spreading personal information without permission.