What is the difference between colleague and coworker?
The two terms tend to look similar since they both represent a person who works in a profession or business. However, there are some slight differences depending on the context.
The lesson provides detailed insight into the difference between colleagues and coworkers. Take the time to read through and find out the distinguishing factors.
Who Is A Colleague?
Colleague refers to the relationship that exists between two-person working in the same organization and they have shared responsibility.
Colleagues are also termed as affiliates or associates in an office or profession. Examples of colleagues are those people working in the same department or faculty.
However, the word is also used among people who have a common purpose. But it normally depends on the context.
Who Is A Coworker?
Coworker refers to people who work in the same organization. These people may or may not be familiar with each other since they work in another branch or department.
You should note that coworkers can either be at a higher rank or lower rank. You can either be a CEO or an office messenger.
The word is mainly used among people who share common values although they tend to work independently.
Comparison Chart: Colleague vs Coworker
| Basic Terms | Colleague | Coworker |
| Meaning | It is either a person with whom one works with or someone of the same profession | It is a person with whom one works. |
| Workplace | Refer to someone in the same profession not necessarily commonplace of work | Refer to someone in the same workplace. |
Core Difference between Colleague and Coworker In Point Form
- Colleague work collectively whereas coworker never works collectively.
- A colleague is a person you work with hence tend to get familiar while a coworker is a person who works in the same organization but different department or division.
- Colleagues tend to be people of equal ranks while a coworker is people who are either in extreme authority or subordinate.
- Colleague tend to share widespread profession or course while coworkers neither share a course or widespread profession.
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Comparison Video
Conclusion
It was wise to bring the distinction between colleagues and coworkers in your limelight. From now henceforth, your boss is never your colleague since you do not share relevant work.
The core difference between colleagues and coworkers listed above can help you handle similar questions in an exam or interview.
More Sources and References
- Coworker. Merriam Webster