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:
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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."
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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.