Review vs. Remark: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
Review is a detailed assessment or examination of something, while a remark is a brief statement or comment.
Key Differences
Review and Remark are two terms that, while related to expression and evaluation, have distinct meanings and uses. A review is a critical assessment, evaluation, or examination of something, often with the purpose of providing a summary and commentary on its content, quality, or impact. This can refer to a book review, a product review, or a performance review, where detailed feedback, analysis, and evaluation are given, helping individuals make informed decisions or improvements.
A remark, on the other hand, is a short statement, comment, or observation, often made casually or spontaneously. Remarks can be expressions of opinions, observations, or reactions and are usually not as detailed or structured as reviews. They may be made in passing and may or may not be grounded in thorough evaluation or reflection. They can be insightful, critical, complementary, or observational and are used in everyday conversation, discussion, or discourse.
While a review is a formal and structured evaluation that provides detailed insight and often involves a thorough analysis of the subject, a remark is more informal and concise, offering a spontaneous or casual observation or comment. Reviews are purposeful and are often sought for their informative and evaluative content, helping people make decisions, learn, or improve. They require time, effort, and consideration to construct and are valued for their depth and detail.
Conversely, a remark is quick and does not necessarily involve deep reflection or analysis. It is a way to express thoughts, feelings, or reactions in the moment, without the formality and structure of a review. Remarks can be versatile and can convey a variety of tones and intentions, ranging from constructive to critical, from casual to serious. They reflect individual perceptions, experiences, and viewpoints and are a common way to communicate and interact.
In essence, the primary difference between a review and a remark lies in the depth, structure, and intention behind them. Reviews are detailed evaluations that offer insight and analysis, while remarks are brief statements that convey thoughts, opinions, or observations in a more informal and spontaneous manner.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A detailed assessment or examination of something.
A brief statement or comment.
Nature
Formal and structured.
Informal and concise.
Purpose
To provide detailed insight and evaluation.
To express a quick opinion or observation.
Detail
Involves depth and analysis.
Usually brief and spontaneous.
Usage
In critiques, feedback sessions, and analysis.
In casual conversations and discussions.
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Review and Remark Definitions
Review
To look over, study, or examine again
Reviewed last week's lesson.
Remark
A casual or spontaneous statement or comment.
His remark about the event was rather humorous.
Review
To consider retrospectively; look back on
Reviewed the day's events.
Remark
A brief mention or expression of an opinion or attitude.
Her remark on the painting highlighted its vibrant colors.
Review
To examine with an eye to criticism or correction
Reviewed the research findings.
Remark
A note or commentary on a subject or occurrence.
The scientist made a remark on the unusual findings.
Review
To write or give a critical report on (a new work or performance, for example).
Remark
An incidental or passing statement.
He made a remark about the weather.
Review
(Law) To evaluate (a decision made by or action taken by a lower court) to determine whether any error was made.
Remark
A comment or observation that expresses a belief, opinion, or reaction.
The professor’s remark clarified the concept for the students.
Review
To subject to a formal inspection, especially a military inspection.
Remark
To express briefly or casually as a comment
She remarked that he danced very well.
Review
To go over or restudy material
Reviewing for a final exam.
Remark
To take notice of something; observe
"She climbed the stone steps quickly, remarking the queer look of her blue silk skirt and blue shoes upon the stone" (Virginia Woolf).
Review
To write critical reviews, especially for a newspaper or magazine.
Remark
An act of pointing out or noticing; notice or observation.
Review
A reexamination or reconsideration.
Remark
An expression, in speech or writing, of something remarked or noticed; a mention of something
Make a remark
Pass a remark
A biting remark
A funny remark
A spoken remark
Review
A retrospective view or survey.
Remark
A casual observation, comment, or statement
Review
A restudying of subject matter.
Remark
(engraving) remarque
Review
An exercise for use in restudying material.
Remark
Alternative spelling of re-mark
Review
A report or essay giving a critical estimate of a work or performance.
Remark
(transitive) To pay heed to; notice; to take notice of, to perceive.
Review
A periodical devoted to articles and essays on current affairs, literature, or art.
Remark
To pass comment on (something); to indicate, point out.
Review
An inspection or examination for the purpose of evaluation.
Remark
To mark (someone or something) out; to distinguish, to make notable.
Review
A formal military inspection.
Remark
To express in words or writing; to state, as an observation.
He remarked that it was getting late.
Review
A formal military ceremony held in honor of a person or occasion.
Remark
(intransitive) To make a remark or remarks on, to comment on (something).
Review
(Law) An evaluation conducted by a higher court of a decision made or action taken by a lower court to determine whether any error was made.
Remark
Alternative spelling of re-mark
Review
A musical show consisting of often satirical skits, songs, and dances; a revue.
Remark
To mark in a notable manner; to distinquish clearly; to make noticeable or conspicuous; to piont out.
Thou art a man remarked to taste a mischief.
His manacles remark him; there he sits.
Review
A second or subsequent reading of a text or artifact in an attempt to gain new insights.
I need to make a review of the book before I can understand it.
Remark
To take notice of, or to observe, mentally; as, to remark the manner of a speaker.
Review
An account intended as a critical evaluation of a text or a piece of work.
The newspaper review was full of praise for the play.
Remark
To express in words or writing, as observed or noticed; to state; to say; - often with a substantive clause; as, he remarked that it was time to go.
Review
(legal) A judicial reassessment of a case or an event.
The victims demanded a full judicial review of the case.
Remark
To make a remark or remarks; to comment.
Review
A stage show made up of topical sketches etc.
The Cambridge Footlights Review launched many Monty Python faces.
Remark
Act of remarking or attentively noticing; notice or observation.
The cause, though worth the search, may yet eludeConjecture and remark, however shrewd.
Review
A survey of the available items or material.
The magazine contained a review of Paris restaurants.
Remark
The expression, in speech or writing, of something remarked or noticed; the mention of that which is worthy of attention or notice; hence, also, a casual observation, comment, or statement; as, a pertinent remark.
Review
A periodical which makes a survey of the arts or some other field.
The Times Literary Review is published in London.
Remark
A statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief;
From time to time she contributed a personal comment on his account
Review
A military inspection or display for the benefit of superiors or VIPs.
The troops assembled for a review by the Queen.
Remark
Explicit notice;
It passed without remark
Review
A forensic inspection to assess compliance with regulations or some code.
The regulators demanded a review against NYSE practices.
Remark
Make mention of;
She observed that his presentation took up too much time
They noted that it was a fine day to go sailing
Review
To survey; to look broadly over.
Before I tackle the question directly, I must briefly review historical approaches to the problem.
Remark
Make or write a comment on;
He commented the paper of his colleague
Review
To write a critical evaluation of a new art work etc.; to write a review.
The critic reviews every new play in London.
Review
To look back over in order to correct or edit; to revise.
Review
To look over again (something previously written or learned), especially in preparation for an examination.
Review
(obsolete) To view or see again; to look back on.
Review
(obsolete) To retrace; to go over again.
Review
To view or see again; to look back on.
Review
To go over and examine critically or deliberately.
Review
To retrace; to go over again.
Shall I the long, laborious scene review?
Review
To look back; to make a review.
Review
A second or repeated view; a reëxamination; a retrospective survey; a looking over again; as, a review of one's studies; a review of life.
Review
An examination with a view to amendment or improvement; revision; as, an author's review of his works.
Review
A critical examination of a publication, with remarks; a criticism; a critique.
Review
A periodical containing critical essays upon matters of interest, as new productions in literature, art, etc.
Review
An inspection, as of troops under arms or of a naval force, by a high officer, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of discipline, equipments, etc.
Review
The judicial examination of the proceedings of a lower court by a higher.
Review
A lesson studied or recited for a second time.
Review
A new appraisal or evaluation
Review
An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)
Review
A subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment
Review
(accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data
Review
A variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians
Review
A periodical that publishes critical essays on current affairs or literature or art
Review
A summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion
Review
(law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court)
Review
Practice intended to polish performance or refresh the memory
Review
A formal or official examination;
The platoon stood ready for review
We had to wait for the inspection before we could use the elevator
Review
Look at again; examine again;
Let's review your situation
Review
Appraise critically;
She reviews books for the New York Times
Please critique this performance
Review
Hold a review (of troops)
Review
Refresh one's memory;
I reviewed the material before the test
Review
Look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events, etc.); remember;
She reviewed her achievements with pride
Review
A detailed assessment or critique of a product, performance, or piece of work.
The movie received a rave review from the critic.
Review
An act of examining or considering something again.
The committee conducted a review of the existing policies.
Review
A formal assessment of an individual's performance.
The employee had a positive annual review.
Review
A retrospective survey or study.
The literature review revealed varying theories on the subject.
Review
A report that gives an opinion about a new book, movie, etc.
The new restaurant received mixed reviews in the local paper.
FAQs
Can remarks be written?
Yes, remarks can be both spoken and written.
Is a review always critical?
Not necessarily; reviews can be positive, negative, or neutral, providing an assessment of the subject.
Can a remark be planned and thought out?
While remarks are often spontaneous, they can also be planned, especially in formal settings.
Can a remark be formal?
While remarks are often informal, they can be formal depending on the context and delivery.
Can a remark be lengthy and detailed?
Remarks are typically brief, but they can be lengthy, depending on the context and the speaker's intention.
Is a review always long and detailed?
Typically, reviews are detailed, but they can also be concise, depending on the context and purpose.
Is a review an opinion?
A review can contain opinions, but it also typically includes an assessment and analysis of the subject.
Can a review be informal?
Reviews are generally formal but can be informal in casual contexts, like a conversation between friends.
Are all remarks opinions?
Many remarks are opinions, but they can also be factual statements or observations.
Are reviews subjective?
Reviews can be subjective as they often reflect the reviewer's perspective, but they can also include objective analysis.
Does a review always provide a recommendation?
Many reviews provide recommendations, but some may only offer an assessment without advising a course of action.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
