What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sister
Example
My sister and I are going to the movies tonight. [sister: noun]
Example
She's like a sister to me, we've been friends for years. [sister: simile]
Example
As a feminist, she considers all women her sisters. [sisters: metaphor]
relative
Example
I have a lot of relatives coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. [relatives: noun]
Example
She's my distant relative on my mother's side. [relative: adjective]
Example
We share a common ancestor, making us distant relatives. [relatives: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relative is more commonly used than sister in everyday language, as it has a broader scope and can refer to any family member. Sister is more specific and is used less frequently in comparison.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sister and relative?
Relative is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while sister is more commonly used in informal contexts and may not be appropriate in formal situations.
