A lake and a river are both bodies of water, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Lake: A lake is a large body of water that is surrounded by land. It is typically stagnant, meaning the water does not flow in a specific direction. Lakes are usually fed by rivers, streams, or rainfall, and they can vary greatly in size and depth. Some lakes are natural, while others are man-made, such as reservoirs.
River: A river, on the other hand, is a flowing body of water that moves in a specific direction, usually towards a larger body of water like an ocean, sea, or another river. Rivers are dynamic and constantly changing due to the flow of water. They are typically fed by smaller streams, rainfall, or melting snow and ice.
In summary, the main difference between a lake and a river is that a lake is a still body of water surrounded by land, while a river is a flowing body of water that moves in a specific direction.