When we talk or write, we often use many words that seem similar but have different meanings or uses. Today, we’re going to look at two words that can be a bit confusing: “withdraw” and “withdrawal.” These words are related, but they are used in different ways. “withdraw” is the action you take, and “withdrawal” is the process or result of that action. Let’s break them down in very simple English so you can understand the difference and use them correctly.
Withdraw:
- Definition: As a verb, “withdraw” means to remove or take something or someone away from a place or situation. It can also mean to retract or revoke a statement, to remove oneself from participation, or to stop taking part in an activity or membership.
Usage in Sentences
- “She decided to withdraw her application after finding another job offer.”
- “The troops were ordered to withdraw from the city.”
- “After realizing his mistake, he chose to withdraw his statement.”
Withdrawal:
- Definition: As a noun, “withdrawal” refers to the act or process of withdrawing. It can relate to taking money out of a bank account, the physical act of removing something, or the process of retreating from a situation. In a psychological or medical context, it can also refer to the symptoms experienced when one stops using a substance to which they are addicted.
Usage in Sentences
- “The withdrawal of funds from the savings account was completed yesterday.”
- “His withdrawal from the competition was due to an unexpected injury.”
- “Experiencing caffeine withdrawal can lead to headaches and irritability.”
Withdraw vs Withdrawal
“Withdraw” and “withdrawal” are related terms that are used in different contexts.
| Aspect | Withdraw | Withdrawal |
| Part of Speech | Verb | Noun |
| Definition | To remove or take something back; to stop participating in something. | The act of withdrawing; the amount of money or other resources that have been taken out. |
| Usage in Tables | Often used as a column header to indicate an action that can be performed, such as a button or link to initiate the withdrawal process. | Used as a column header to represent the records or details of the withdrawal transactions, such as amounts and dates. |
| Example | A table row with a “Withdraw” button allowing users to initiate a withdrawal process. | A table column titled “Withdrawal Amount” listing the sums of money withdrawn. |
How to Remember the Difference
Here’s a simple way to remember the difference between “withdraw” and “withdrawal”:
- If you are talking about doing the action, like taking money out or leaving a place, use “withdraw.” Remember, “withdraw” is a verb, and verbs are about actions.
- If you are talking about the result of the action like the money taken out or the act of leaving, use “withdrawal.” “Withdrawal” is a noun, and nouns are about things or events.
Must Try:
