The words are often used interchangeably when referring to grouping and categorizing a person, place or thing. However, there are certain contexts where the words cannot be used in the place of the other.

The terms Rival and Competitor are actually synonymous. They both refer to someone who tries to defeat or to be more successful than another. The term rival usually has a more negative connotation, which...

The term, nerd is used to refer to a person who behaves awkwardly around other people, that he is socially inept. A nerd is usually someone who has very strong interests in technical subjects, computers, games...

A simple way to distinguish between the two is to use type when referring to classifying or grouping something, while using form when talking about the structure and make of something.

Illustrates uses images, additional text, pictures and diagrams in order to elaborate on something. On the other hand, demonstrate explains via actions.