How to differentiate between soup and stew?

I am sure at one time or another you must have asked what’s the difference between soup and stew?

Soups and stews are quite similar and it can be confusing. I mean they are liquid right? Some of them even have the same ingredients.

So what’s the difference between soup and stew?

The consistency: Soups are always more watery than stews. Soups can be puréed, they may be brothy in nature and they may be creamy. No matter the form the soup is in, the soup’s major component is liquid. Stews on the hand are thicker and have fewer volume of liquid. They can also be made with beer, cider or wine. Stews can also be thickened with flour or roux if needed
Methods of cooking: Soups are majorly prepared by boiling while Stews are prepared by stewing.
Components: Soups can be made by submerging the ingredients in them. Stews have more components/ingredients to cover them
Time of preparation : Soups may take shorter period of time to cook. Stews are slowly cooked and may take longer period of time to cook.
Serving and method of eating: Soups are mostly served in a bowl and can be eaten alone. You also require a spoon to eat it and it’s mostly drank. Stews are mostly served with another dish. Like rice, spaghetti, noodles.

EXAMPLES OF SOUPS