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What is the Difference Between Navigation and Navigational?

Published in Grammar and Usage 2 mins read

The key difference between "navigation" and "navigational" lies in their grammatical function: "navigation" is a noun, while "navigational" is an adjective.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Navigation (Noun): Refers to the process or activity of accurately ascertaining one's position and planning and following a route. It encompasses the skills, techniques, and instruments used for determining position and direction. Examples:

    • "The navigation of the ship was challenging due to the storm."
    • "Modern navigation relies heavily on GPS technology."
    • "Learning celestial navigation is a complex skill."
  • Navigational (Adjective): Describes something that relates to or is used in navigation. It modifies a noun. Examples:

    • "The pilot used navigational instruments to stay on course."
    • "This is a navigational chart showing the sea routes."
    • "Navigational errors can have serious consequences."

In simpler terms:

  • Navigation is what you do.
  • Navigational describes something used for doing it.

Table summarizing the differences:

Feature Navigation (Noun) Navigational (Adjective)
Part of Speech Noun Adjective
Function The activity or process itself Describes something related to the activity
Example "Successful navigation requires skill." "We used navigational tools."

In summary: "Navigation" is the act of finding your way, while "navigational" describes things connected to that act.

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