Feature vs. Editorial — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 2, 2023
Feature highlights a specific aspect or element; Editorial expresses an opinion or viewpoint.
Difference Between Feature and Editorial
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Feature typically focuses on a particular subject or topic, drawing attention to specific details or elements. It provides in-depth information, whether about a product, event, person, or concept. The main objective of a feature is to inform, entertain, or both. On the other hand, an Editorial is an article or piece that presents the opinion or viewpoint of an editor, publication, or organization. While it's rooted in facts, it's ultimately subjective, aiming to persuade readers to agree with its perspective.
The word Feature can also describe a distinctive attribute or aspect of something. For instance, a phone might have a specific feature that makes it unique from others. Meanwhile, an Editorial doesn't emphasize attributes; instead, it revolves around presenting an argument or a stance. This might involve discussing current events, policies, or societal issues, presenting a particular angle or interpretation.
Features often delve into narratives, personal stories, or detailed descriptions. Their tone can be varied, depending on the subject matter: some features may be light and entertaining, while others could be serious and informative. Editorials, however, are typically more straightforward in their approach. They lay out an argument, support it with evidence, and conclude with a strong statement or call to action.
Both Feature and Editorial have their importance in journalism and publications. Features offer readers a deep dive into specific subjects, enriching their knowledge and sometimes offering them a break from hard news. Editorials, however, challenge readers to think, offering them a viewpoint which they can agree with or dispute.
Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
To inform or entertain
To opine and persuade
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Based On
Specific aspect or subject matter
Opinion or viewpoint
Tone
Can vary: informative, entertaining, narrative
Argumentative, persuasive
Presence of Subjectivity
Mostly objective, though can have personal elements
Highly subjective
Typical Content
In-depth details, stories, descriptions
Arguments, viewpoints, supported by evidence
Compare with Definitions
Feature
A distinctive attribute or aspect of something.
The phone's camera is its best feature.
Editorial
Pertaining to the selection and organization of a journal's content.
He made an editorial decision to place the article on the front page.
Feature
A special article in a newspaper or magazine.
She wrote a feature on the local music scene.
Editorial
A statement or article by a news organization's editorial board.
The magazine published an editorial supporting climate change initiatives.
Feature
The structure, form, or appearance of something.
His most striking feature is his bright blue eyes.
Editorial
Relating to the commissioning or preparing of material for publication.
She works in the editorial department.
Feature
A part of a software application or system.
The new software update has a security feature.
Editorial
Expressing opinions or bias, as opposed to just factual information.
The reporter’s tone seemed more editorial than objective.
Feature
Any of the distinct parts of the face, as the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Editorial
An article in a publication presenting the opinion of its editors.
The newspaper's editorial criticized the new policy.
Feature
Often features The overall appearance of the face or its parts.
Editorial
An article in a publication expressing the opinion of its editors or publishers.
Feature
A prominent or distinctive part, quality, or characteristic
A feature of one's personality.
A feature of the landscape.
Editorial
A commentary on television or radio expressing the opinion of the station or network.
Feature
A property of linguistic units or forms
Nasality is a phonological feature.
Editorial
Of or relating to an editor or editing
An editorial position with a publishing company.
An editorial policy prohibiting the use of unnamed sources.
Feature
In generative linguistics, any of various abstract entities that specify or combine to specify phonological, morphological, semantic, and syntactic properties of linguistic forms and that act as the targets of linguistic rules and operations.
Editorial
Of or resembling an editorial, especially in expressing an opinion
An editorial comment.
Feature
The main film presentation at a theater.
Editorial
Of or relating to an editor, editing or an editorial.
Editorial labours; editorial remarks
Feature
A long, narrative movie, typically lasting more than one hour.
Editorial
(fashion) Appropriate for high fashion magazines.
Feature
A special attraction at an entertainment.
Editorial
An article in a publication giving the opinion of its editors on a given topic or current event.
Feature
A prominent or special article, story, or department in a newspaper or periodical.
Editorial
A similar commentary on radio or television.
Feature
An item advertised or offered as particularly attractive or as an inducement
A washing machine with many features.
Editorial
Of or pertaining to an editor; written or sanctioned by an editor; as, editorial labors; editorial remarks.
Feature
Outward appearance; form or shape.
Editorial
A leading article in a newspaper or magazine; an editorial article; an article published as an expression of the views of the editor.
Feature
Physical beauty.
Editorial
An article giving opinions or perspectives
Feature
To give special attention to; display, publicize, or make prominent.
Editorial
Of or relating to an article stating opinions or giving perspectives;
Editorial column
Feature
To have or include as a prominent part or characteristic
The play featured two well-known actors.
Editorial
Relating to or characteristic of an editor;
Editorial duties
Feature
To depict or outline the features of.
Feature
(Informal) To picture mentally; imagine
Can you feature her in that hat?.
Feature
(obsolete) One's structure or make-up: form, shape, bodily proportions.
Feature
An important or main item.
Feature
(media) A long, prominent article or item in the media, or the department that creates them; frequently used technically to distinguish content from news.
Feature
(film) feature film
Feature
Any of the physical constituents of the face (eyes, nose, etc.).
Feature
(computing) A beneficial capability of a piece of software.
Feature
The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic.
One of the features of the landscape
Feature
(archaeology) Something discerned from physical evidence that helps define, identify, characterize, and interpret an archeological site.
A feature of many Central Texas prehistoric archeological sites is a low spreading pile of stones called a rock midden. Other features at these sites may include small hearths.
Feature
(engineering) Characteristic forms or shapes of parts. For example, a hole, boss, slot, cut, chamfer, or fillet.
Feature
An individual measurable property or characteristic of a phenomenon being observed; the input of a model.
Feature
(music) The act of being featured in a piece of music.
Feature
(linguistics) The elements into which linguistic units can be broken down.
Feature
(transitive) To ascribe the greatest importance to something within a certain context.
Feature
(transitive) To star, to contain.
Feature
(intransitive) To appear, to make an appearance.
Feature
To have features resembling.
Feature
The make, form, or outward appearance of a person; the whole turn or style of the body; esp., good appearance.
What needeth it his feature to descrive?
Cheated of feature by dissembling nature.
Feature
The make, cast, or appearance of the human face, and especially of any single part of the face; a lineament. (pl.) The face, the countenance.
It is for homely features to keep home.
Feature
The cast or structure of anything, or of any part of a thing, as of a landscape, a picture, a treaty, or an essay; any marked peculiarity or characteristic; as, one of the features of the landscape.
And to her service bind each living creatureThrough secret understanding of their feature.
Feature
A form; a shape.
So scented the grim feature, and upturnedHis nostril wide into the murky air.
Feature
A prominent aspect of something;
The map showed roads and other features
Generosity is one of his best characteristics
Feature
The characteristic parts of a person's face: eyes and nose and mouth and chin;
An expression of pleasure crossed his features
His lineaments were very regular
Feature
The principal (full-length) film in a program at a movie theater;
The feature tonight is `Casablanca'
Feature
A special or prominent article in a newspaper or magazine;
They ran a feature on retirement planning
Feature
An article of merchandise that is displayed or advertised more than other articles
Feature
Have as a feature;
This restaurant features the most famous chefs in France
Feature
Wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner;
She was sporting a new hat
Feature
A film or television program that is of standard length.
We watched a double feature at the cinema last night.
Common Curiosities
Can a Feature contain opinions?
While primarily informative, a Feature can contain personal elements or perspectives.
Are Features always long-form articles?
Not always. Features can vary in length, but they usually provide in-depth coverage of a topic.
Can Editorials be written by anyone other than the editor?
Yes, the term refers to the article's style and purpose, not necessarily its author.
What is the primary difference between a Feature and an Editorial?
A Feature provides detailed information on a specific subject, while an Editorial presents an opinion or viewpoint.
Is an Editorial purely subjective?
An Editorial is subjective in nature, but it should be rooted in facts and provide evidence for its opinions.
Can a Feature be about a person?
Absolutely. Many Features profile individuals, highlighting their achievements, life stories, or specific aspects of their careers.
Is a movie considered a Feature?
In film terminology, a "feature" refers to a standard-length movie as opposed to a short film.
Do all publications have both Features and Editorials?
Not all, but many publications incorporate both to offer a mix of in-depth information and opinion.
Are opinion columns the same as Editorials?
Not quite. While both offer opinions, an Editorial typically reflects the views of the publication, whereas an opinion column reflects its author's personal views.
Is the primary purpose of an Editorial to inform or to persuade?
The primary purpose of an Editorial is to persuade, though it should also inform.
Do Editorials always reflect the opinion of the entire publication?
Not necessarily. Editorials usually reflect the stance of the editorial board, but not always the entire publication or all its staff.
Can a product's characteristic be termed a Feature?
Yes, a distinguishing characteristic of a product is often referred to as a "feature."
Can a Feature be fictional?
While most Features are non-fiction, some literary magazines or journals might label fictional stories as "features" for their standout quality.
Are Editorials found only in newspapers?
No, Editorials can be found in magazines, journals, and online platforms as well.
Which is more objective between a Feature and an Editorial?
A Feature is generally more objective, focusing on information, while an Editorial is subjective, focusing on opinion.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
