Correspond vs. Coincide — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Correspond means to be in agreement, alignment, or communication with something or someone. Coincide means for two or more events or circumstances to occur simultaneously or overlap in time.
Difference Between Correspond and Coincide
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Correspond refers to a relationship where two things agree or align in nature, form, or function. Coincide, in contrast, means that two or more events happen at the same time or overlap.
Correspond is often used to describe similarities or logical matches between two entities. Coincide is used to indicate timing, where events or actions occur together or have overlapping durations.
Correspond frequently implies communication or agreement, such as letters exchanged between people. Coincide doesn't involve communication but focuses on simultaneous timing or location.
Correspond indicates compatibility, as in "corresponding" components that fit together logically. Coincide emphasizes concurrence in timing, location, or conditions.
Correspond may involve logical or conceptual alignment without being tied to specific timing. Coincide is specifically about temporal or spatial overlapping.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
To align, agree, or communicate
To occur simultaneously or overlap
Focus
Similarity, logical alignment
Timing, spatial or temporal overlap
Communication
Implies exchange of messages
Doesn't imply communication
Temporal Aspect
Doesn't require concurrent timing
Explicitly requires simultaneous occurrence
Usage
Matching, compatible relationships
Events, schedules, conditions
Compare with Definitions
Correspond
To agree in nature or character.
The behavior of the test subjects corresponds to previous observations.
Coincide
To happen or occur at the same time as another event.
The conference coincides with my vacation plans, so I cannot attend.
Correspond
To be similar, matching, or aligned.
Her views correspond closely with the majority of the group's opinions.
Coincide
To occupy the same position or space.
The earthquake's epicenter coincided exactly with a previously mapped fault line.
Correspond
To be compatible or consistent with something else.
The results of the experiment correspond with the original hypothesis.
Coincide
To occur in the same place or location.
The parade route coincided with the route of the marathon.
Correspond
To have a logical relationship or agreement.
The blueprint corresponds accurately to the final building design.
Coincide
To agree or align in position or nature.
Their plans for the event coincided perfectly with the committee's objectives.
Correspond
To exchange letters or messages with someone.
He corresponded regularly with his family while studying abroad.
Coincide
To be in harmony or agreement.
Her statements coincided with the evidence presented in court.
Correspond
To be in agreement, harmony, or conformity.
Coincide
Occur at the same time
Publication is timed to coincide with a major exhibition
Correspond
To be similar or equivalent in character, quantity, origin, structure, or function
English navel corresponds to Greek omphalos.
Coincide
Correspond in nature; tally
The interests of employers and employees do not always coincide
Correspond
To communicate by letter, usually over a period of time.
Coincide
To occupy the same relative position or the same area in space.
Correspond
To be equivalent or similar in character, quantity, quality, origin, structure, function etc.
Coincide
To happen at the same time or during the same period.
Correspond
To exchange messages, especially by postal letter, over a period of time.
I've been corresponding with my German pen pal for three years.
Coincide
To correspond exactly; be identical.
Correspond
(obsolete) To have sex with.
Coincide
To agree exactly, as in opinion; concur.
Correspond
To be like something else in the dimensions and arrangement of its parts; - followed by with or to; as, concurring figures correspond with each other throughout.
None of them [the forms of Sidney's sonnets] correspond to the Shakespearean type.
Coincide
To occupy exactly the same space.
The two squares coincide nicely.
Correspond
To be adapted; to be congruous; to suit; to agree; to fit; to answer; - followed by to.
Words being but empty sounds, any farther than they are signs of our ideas, we can not but assent to them as they correspond to those ideas we have, but no farther.
Coincide
To occur at the same time.
The conference will coincide with his vacation.
Correspond
To have intercourse or communion; especially, to hold intercourse or to communicate by sending and receiving letters; - followed by with.
After having been long in indirect communication with the exiled family, he [Atterbury] began to correspond directly with the Pretender.
Coincide
To correspond, concur, or agree.
Our ideas coincide, except in certain areas.
Correspond
Be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics;
The two stories don't agree in many details
The handwriting checks with the signature on the check
The suspect's fingerprints don't match those on the gun
Coincide
To occupy the same place in space, as two equal triangles, when placed one on the other.
If the equator and the ecliptic had coincided, it would have rendered the annual revoluton of the earth useless.
Correspond
Be equivalent or parallel, in mathematics
Coincide
To occur at the same time; to be contemporaneous; as, the fall of Granada coincided with the discovery of America.
Correspond
Exchange messages;
My Russian pen pal and I have been corresponding for several years
Coincide
To correspond exactly; to agree; to concur; as, our aims coincide.
The rules of right jugdment and of good ratiocination often coincide with each other.
Correspond
Take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to;
Because of the sound changes in the course of history, an 'h' in Greek stands for an 's' in Latin
Coincide
Go with, fall together
Coincide
Happen simultaneously;
The two events coincided
Coincide
Be the same;
Our views on this matter coincided
Common Curiosities
What does correspond mean?
Correspond means to align, agree, or communicate with something or someone.
What does coincide mean?
Coincide means for two or more events to occur simultaneously or overlap.
Does coincide imply communication?
No, coincide focuses on timing and location without implying communication.
Does correspond imply perfect alignment?
Not always, it can simply mean matching in certain key aspects.
Is coincide more focused on timing?
Yes, coincide emphasizes simultaneous timing or overlapping events.
Is correspond the same as coincide?
No, correspond involves agreement or alignment, while coincide is about simultaneous occurrence.
Can correspond involve communication?
Yes, correspond is often used to describe exchanging messages.
Does correspond apply to matching objects?
Yes, correspond often describes objects that align in function or design.
Does correspond require specific timing?
Not necessarily, as correspond can be about logical or conceptual alignment.
Can coincide refer to overlapping locations?
Yes, coincide can describe spatial overlaps as well as temporal ones.
Is coincide always about events or conditions?
Mostly, as it refers to simultaneous or overlapping occurrences.
Does correspond always imply similarity?
Yes, correspond usually involves some form of logical agreement or match.
Can coincide mean aligning goals or ideas?
Yes, it can metaphorically refer to agreement in goals, ideas, or objectives.
Is coincide more common in scheduling contexts?
Yes, coincide is often used to discuss scheduling conflicts or overlaps.
Can correspond be used metaphorically?
Yes, it's often used to suggest agreement or alignment in abstract concepts.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
