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Editing Competency > Notorious Confusables > Flashcards

Notorious Confusables Flashcards

1
Q

Abhorrent vs. Aberrant

A

Abhorrent: disgusting or detestable

Aberrant: unusual, straying from a defined path

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2
Q

Abjure vs. Adjured

A

Abjure: to avoid/renounce, e.g., He refused to abjure the Catholic faith.

Adjured: to urge or request, to call for, e.g., “I adjure you to tell me the truth.

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3
Q

Accept vs. Except

A

Accept: to receive, to take on, to believe as truth.
Except: to exclude

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4
Q

Ad vs. Add

A

Ad: advertisement
Add: to add together

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5
Q

Adverse vs. Averse

A

Adverse: harmful
Averse: opposed to

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6
Q

Affect vs. Effect
Tip?

A

Affect: to influence, an emotional expression or response

Effect: a result or outcome, to produce or cause to come into being.

TIP: If there’s “a/an/the” in front of it, it’s an “effect.”

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7
Q

Aide vs. Aid

A

Aide: a helper person
Aid: to help

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8
Q

Alternate vs. Alternative

A

Alternate: a substitute, to take turns, to swap
Alternative: another option

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9
Q

Ally vs. Alley

A

Ally: an alliance
Alley: a narrow street

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10
Q

Amoral vs. Immoral

A

Amoral: showing no concern for morals

Immoral: differentiating between right and wrong but intentionally doing wrong anyway

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11
Q

Amused vs. Bemused

A

Amused: entertained
Bemused: confused

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12
Q

Anecdote vs. Antidote

A

Anecdote: a story
Antidote: a cure

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13
Q

Appraise vs. Apprise

A

Appraise: to value
Apprise: to explain

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14
Q

Afflict vs. Inflict

A

Afflict: to trouble
Inflict: to cause

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15
Q

Allot vs. A Lot

A

Allot: to divvy up or set aside
A Lot: a large amount

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16
Q

Allude vs. Elude

A

Allude: to refer to or indicate
Elude: to escape

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17
Q

Allusion vs. Illusion vs. Delusion

A

Allusion: a reference to something
Illusion: a trick
Delusion: an idea that has no basis in reality

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18
Q

Alright vs. All Right
Which is correct?
Style Tip?

A

Both are technically acceptable.

Style Tip: “All right” is the preferred spelling for formal writing, as well as for the AP and Chicago Manual.

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19
Q

Alter vs. Altar

A

Alter: to change
Altar: (church)

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20
Q

Altogether vs. All Together

Tip:

A

Altogether: completely, all things considered, or on the whole
All Together: everyone or everything together

Tip: “Altogether” is an adverb.

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21
Q

Amiable vs. Amicable

A

Amiable: describes people who are friendly and sociable
Amicable: describes friendly/civil relations and interactions

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22
Q

Ascent vs. Assent

A

Ascent: a steep climb
Assent: to agree

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23
Q

Assume vs. Presume

A

Assume: to take over or take on, to believe something without proof

Presume: to believe something based on experience or probability

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24
Q

Aver vs. Avow

A

Aver: to verify, to confirm the truth
Avow: to announce a truth to the world

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25
Q

A While vs. Awhile
Tip?

A

“Awhile” is an adverb that means “for a while.” It is typically used to modify a verb, e.g., I’m going to sit and read awhile.

“A while” is a noun meaning “a period of time.” It is typically used after a preposition, e.g., I’m going to read for a while longer.)

TIP: Always use two words when the phrase follows a preposition (e.g., for).

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26
Q

Backwards vs. Backward:

Style Tip?

A

“Backward” can be either an adverb or an adjective; “backwards” can be only an adverb, e.g., The economy seemed to slide backwards thanks to the backward government policies.

Both Chicago Manual and AP Style drop the “s” in all cases. (“backward,” “forward,” “upward,” “downward,” and “toward”)

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27
Q

Basis vs. Bases

Which is typically used with the following phrases:
“On a regular ______.”
“On the ______ of”
“ ON a scientific ______.”?

A

These words have shared meaning.

Basis: the fundamental material on which something is founded, or the logic of or justification for an idea; a fundamental principle; or a basic unit.

“Bases” is the plural form of “basis.”
E.g., the basis of a theory vs. the bases of these theories.

It is also the plural of “base.”
E.g., All four bases were attacked at once.
E.g., Logs were used as bed rests and table bases.

Phrase Usage: On the basis of; Scientific basis; on a regular basis

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28
Q

Bare (5) vs. Bear (7)
(Hold Pet Cat)

A

Bare: naked/empty/stark/to expose/to confess
Bear: to hold in mind, to produce,to exhibit, e.g., bear a likeness to/ to tolerate/to carry/(animal)/ to take on

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29
Q

Biannual vs. Semiannual vs. Biennial

Style Tip?

A

“Biannual” and “semiannual” both mean “twice a year.”

“Biennial” means “once every two years” or “every other year.” E.g., The state legislature meets biennially.

Tip: Chicago Manual recommends using “semiannual” instead of “biannual.” AP has no preference.

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30
Q

Bizarre vs. Bazaar

A

Bizarre: weird
Bazaar: market

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31
Q

Bored vs. Board

A

Bored: uninterested, past tense: bore
Board: (wood) or advisory council

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32
Q

Bore (7) vs. Boar
(sitt cat)

A

Bore: supported/carried/assumed/tolerated/tire of/an insult/tunneled
Boar: a male pig

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33
Q

Border vs. Boarder

A

Border: an edge or boundary
Boarder: a lodger

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34
Q

Brake (2) vs. Break (8)

A

Brake: a constraint/ to decelerate, to try to stop, e.g., hit the brakes
Break: to stop/to pause/a rest, to destroy/to fail/a fracture/ to decipher/an opportunity

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35
Q

Breech vs. Breach

A

Breech: backside or rear
Breach: a break/rift, e.g., breach of ethics

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36
Q

Breath vs. Breathe

A

Breath: noun
Breathe: verb

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37
Q

Bridal vs. Bridle

A

Bridal: (weddings)
Bridle: (horse paraphernalia)

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38
Q

Broach vs. Brooch

A

Broach: to bring up
Brooch: a decorative pin

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39
Q

Callous vs. Callus

A

Callous: cold/heartless
Callus: hard skin

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40
Q

Calvary vs. Cavalry

A

Calvary: the place of Crucifixion
Cavalry: horse-mounted troops

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41
Q

Cannon vs. Canon

A

Cannon: heavy gun(s)
Canon: a set of rules or laws

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42
Q

Cannot vs. Can Not:
Which is correct?
Exceptions?

A

Use “cannot” in formal writing.
EXCEPTIONS: “can not only but also” phrases, and cases where the subject has the option to not do something. E.g., You can go to the store, or you can not go to the store. Your choice.

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43
Q

Canvas vs. Canvass

A

Canvas: (material)
Canvass: to campaign

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44
Q

Capital vs. Capitol

A

Capital: (state capital, money, most serious or important, uppercase)
Capitol: (building)

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45
Q

Carat vs. Carrot vs. Caret

A

Carat: diamond size
Carrot: (vegetable)
Caret: (typeface ^)

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46
Q

Censured vs. Censored

A

Censured: scolded/criticized
Censored: cut/edited/banned

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47
Q

Censor vs. Censer vs. Sensor

A

Censor: to cut out or edit info, a person who cuts out or edits info

Censer: a dish for holding incense Sensor: a detection device

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48
Q

Chord vs. Cord

A

Chord: (musical)
Cord: a thick string

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49
Q

Click vs. Clique

A

Click: noise or action
Clique: a group

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50
Q

Climactic vs. Climatic

A

Climactic: (climactic moment)
Climatic: associated with climate

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51
Q

Clothes vs. Cloths

A

Clothes: (shirt, dress, etc.)
Cloths: material or rags

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52
Q

Coarse vs. Course

A

Coarse: rough
Course: route/program/direction

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53
Q

Complimented vs. Complemented

A

Complimented: gave a compliment
Complemented: matched

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54
Q

Compose vs. Comprise

A

Compose: to create, to make up a whole

Comprise: to be made up of, contain, or include

E.g., Dogs and cats compose the shelter, which is comprised of these popular pets.

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55
Q

Conceded vs. Conceited

A

Conceded: gave up
Conceited: vain

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56
Q

Concurrent vs. Consecutive

A

Concurrent: at the same time
Consecutive: one after another

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57
Q

Confident vs. Confidant(e)
Style tip?

A

Confident: feeling good about oneself or one’s abilities, certainty

Confidant(e): a person you trust or tell secrets to

Style Tip: AP drops the “e,” Chicago does not require it and only uses it if the person is female.

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58
Q

Conscious vs. Conscience

A

Conscious: aware
Conscience: internal morality

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59
Q

Contemptible vs. Contemptuous

A

Contemptible: worthy of contempt

Contemptuous: someone or something that is full of contempt

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60
Q

Continual vs. Continuous

A

Continual: starting and stopping
Continuous: never-ending

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61
Q

Convince vs. Persuade

A

Convince: to cause someone to believe something
Persuade: to cause someone to act

E.g., My mother will convince him that she is right. She will persuade him to keep working.

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62
Q

Correlation vs. Corollary

A

Correlation: a relationship or connection – but not a cause-and-effect relationship

Corollary: a consequence, a cause-and-effect relationship

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63
Q

Counsel vs. Council

A

Counsel: advice/to advise
Council: Advisory board

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64
Q

Creditable vs. Credible vs. Credulous

A

Creditable: admirable
Credible: believable
Credulous: gullible

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65
Q

Criterion vs. Criteria

A

Criterion: (single)
Criteria: (plural)

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66
Q

Definitely vs. Definitively

A

Definitely: unmistakable, without doubt
Definitively: official and conclusive, e.g., I definitely want to go to the party, but my mother gave the idea a definitive no.

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67
Q

Demure vs. Demur

A

Demure: modest/prim
Demur: to object

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68
Q

Denotes vs. Connotes

A

Denotes: to define exactly
Connotes: to imply a meaning

E.g., The word “guts” denote one’s viscera and one’s intestines, but it also connotes determination, fortitude, persistence, and courage.

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69
Q

Desert vs. Dessert

A

Desert: a dry, arid climate
Dessert: a sweet treat

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70
Q

Didactic vs. Pedantic

A

Didactic: an attempt to teach a lesson, especially a moral lesson
Pedantic: an attempt to show off disguised as teaching.

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71
Q

Die vs. Dye

A

Die: (death)
Dye: to color

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72
Q

Disassemble vs. Dissemble

A

Disassemble: to take apart
Dissemble: to put on a false appearance, to conceal feelings or facts

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73
Q

Disconcerting vs. Disconcerning vs. Discerning

A

Disconcerting: disturbing, upsetting
Disconcerning: not a word!!!
Discerning: having or showing good taste or judgment

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74
Q

Discomfited vs. Discomfort

A

Discomfited: disturbed/uncomfortable/embarrassed
Discomfort: uneasiness/pain

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75
Q

Discreet vs. Discrete

A

Discreet: secret
Discrete: separate

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76
Q

Disillusion vs. Dissolution

A

Disillusion: to rid someone of an illusion, or to have had an illusion dashed.

Dissolution: a breaking apart, e.g., the dissolution of marriage

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77
Q

Disperse vs. Disburse

A

Disperse: to scatter
Disburse: to pay

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78
Q

Dissent vs. Descent vs. Decent

A

Dissent: objection
Descent: slope/drop/pedigree
Decent: reasonable/right

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79
Q

Elicit vs. Illicit

A

Elicit: to provoke or extract
Illicit: illegal

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80
Q

Elusive vs. Illusive

A

Elusive: difficult to capture or understand
Illusive: something that is not real, even if it seems to be

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81
Q

Eminent vs. Imminent vs. Immanent

A

Eminent: prominent/important

Imminent: immediate

Immanent: inherent, omnipresent, knowable, perceivable or graspable

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82
Q

Enormousness vs. Enormity
Style Tip?

A

Enormousness: grandness/greatness/vastness
Enormity: atrociousness, monstrousness, usually has a negative connotation

Style Tip: Enormity is also used to refer to size, but this use is discouraged in formal writing and not acceptable under AP or Chicago style.

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83
Q

Entitle vs. Title
Style Tip?

A

Entitle: to give someone a rank or right, SOMETIMES used to describe the name of a composition

Title: the name of a composition, to name a composition)

Style Tip: AP never uses “entitled” to describe the name of a composition. Chicago Manual allows it but cautions against its overuse.

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84
Q

Endemic vs. Epidemic vs. Pandemic

A

Endemic: found in a certain geographic region or in a specific race of people

Epidemic: a disease that is widespread

Pandemic: a global epidemic

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85
Q

Ensure vs. Insure vs. Assure

A

Ensure: to make sure

Insure: to protect against

Assure: to remove doubt, or confidently tell someone about something

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86
Q

Epigram vs. Epigraph vs. Epitaph

A

Epigram: a witticism
Epigraph: something written above text or a doorway
Epitaph: a tombstone inscription

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87
Q

Especially vs. Specially:
Usage?

A

Use “especially” when you mean “very,” “extremely,” or “particularly.”
E.g., The food was not especially good.
E.g., She hated vegetables, especially peas.

Use “specially” when you mean “in a special manner.
E.g., I don’t want to be treated specially.

Both especially and specially are acceptable when you are referring to a special person or reason.
E.g., The speech was written especially/specially for the occasion.
E.g., The sweater was made especially/specially for her.

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88
Q

Everyday vs. Every Day

A

Everyday: (adjective)
Every day: (adverb)
E.g., We use our everyday dishes every day.

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89
Q

Exorcise vs. Exercise

A

Exorcise: to cast out evil
Exercise: physical activity

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90
Q

Exulted vs. Exalted

A

Exulted: rejoiced
Exalted: high/promoted/praised, e.g., exalted one

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91
Q

Expedient vs. Expeditious

A

Expedient: convenient
Expeditious: speedy

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92
Q

Explicit vs. Implicit

A

Explicit: clear/precise
Implicit: understood/implied

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93
Q

Extemporaneous vs. Impromptu

A

Extemporaneous: prepared but delivered without notes
Impromptu: completely unprepared

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94
Q

Extent vs. Extant

A

Extent: degree/size

Extant: existing/present, e.g., The original manuscript is no longer extant.

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95
Q

Facetious vs. Factious vs. Fractious vs. Fatuous

A

Facetious: joking

Factious: characterized by dissent and internal disputes. Likely to break apart into factions.

Fractious: irritable, quarrelsome, ill-tempered.

Fatuous: silly, foolish

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96
Q

Faint vs. Feint

A

Faint: light, weak, to pass out
Feint: a fake-out, a trick

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97
Q

Farther vs. Further:
Tip?
Common Mistake?

A

Farther: Physical distance

Further: To a greater extent, an extension of time or degree.

TIP: Beware of phrases that could technically be both; rewrite to avoid confusion. e.g.,

Common Mistake: Nothing could be further (not farther) from the truth. (Figurative distance.)

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98
Q

Faze vs. Phase

A

Faze: to disturb, bother, or embarrass
Phase: a step or stage

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99
Q

Ferment vs. Foment

A

Ferment: to cause a chemical change to food or drink, to stir up excitement Foment: to stir up trouble, always has a negative connotation

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100
Q

Fewer vs. Less

A

Fewer: refers to things that are counted

Less: refers to a quantity of things that are measured

E.g., “fewer choices” and “fewer problems” vs. “less time” and “less effort.” (Fewer dollars and less money)

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101
Q

Fictional vs. Fictitious vs. Fictive

A

Fictional: an invented reality

Fictitious: made up in an attempt to trick others, e.g., a fictitious identity

Fictive: a specific thing created by the imagination, e.g., a fictive audience made up of teddy bears

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102
Q

Flout vs. Flaunt

A

Flout: to disobey, scoff at, e.g., flout the law
Flaunt: to show off

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103
Q

Flu vs. flue

A

Flu: (virus)
Flue: (vent)

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104
Q

Flounder vs. Founder

A

Flounder: to struggle/stagger/hesitate
Founder: a creator/ to sink or completely fail.

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105
Q

Formerly vs. Formally

A

Formerly: before
Formally: formal

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106
Q

Gambit vs. Gamut

A

Gambit: a strategic move where one sacrifices something up front for future gain

Gamut: a range from one extreme to the other

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107
Q

Gibe vs. Jibe vs. Jive

A

Gibe: jeer/joke/tease
Jibe: to be in agreement
Jive: jazz reference, loose talk

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108
Q

Grisly vs. Grizzly

A

Grisly: gruesome
Grizzly: grey-haired/(bear)

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109
Q

Guerilla vs. Gorillas

A

Guerilla: (soldier. warfare)
Gorillas: (jungle)

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110
Q

Hale vs. Hail

A

Hale: sturdy and healthy

Hail: icy precipitation, to call attention to, to greet enthusiastically, to hail from

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111
Q

Hanged vs. Hung

A

Hanged: by the neck
Hung: on the wall

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112
Q

Hangers vs. Hangars

A

Hangers: (clothes)
Hangars: (planes)

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113
Q

Hardy vs. Hearty

A

Hardy: daring, courageous, and capable of surviving difficult conditions, e.g., a hardy species.

Hearty: showing warm and heartfelt affection or providing abundant nourishment, e.g., a hearty greeting, a hearty soup.

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114
Q

Heal vs. Heel

A

Heal: to cure/mend/recover
Heel: (foot)/an insult/to re-sole a shoe

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115
Q

Heroine vs. Heroin

A

Heroine: female hero
Heroin: (drug)

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116
Q

Historic vs. Historical

A

Historic: having great importance to human history, e.g., a historic achievement

Historical: describes something that is from or happened in the past, e.g., historical records.

117
Q

Homophone vs. Homograph vs. Homonym

A

Homophone: a word that sounds the same as another word but has a different meaning and sometimes spelling. E.g., to/too/two.

Homograph: a word that has the same spelling as another word but has a different sound and a different meaning, e.g., “lead” (leader) and “lead” (metal).

Homonym: a word that is both a homophone and a homograph, or, in more casual use, can be used as a synonym for either.

118
Q

Hordes vs. hoard

A

Hordes: (of people)
Hoard: (money, supplies)

119
Q

i.e. vs. e.g.

A

“i.e.” is a shortening of the Latin expression id est, or “that is.” It is used to introduce a rephrasing or elaboration of something. Think of it as meaning “in essence.”

“e.g.,” is an abbreviation of the Latin expression exempli gratia, meaning “for example.” Think of it as meaning “example given.”

120
Q

Immigrate vs. Emigrate vs. Migrate

A

Immigrate: to arrive in a new country
Emigrate: to leave a country
Migrate: to move from one place to another

121
Q

Incidence vs. Incidents

A

Incidence: frequency, e.g., incidence of theft
Incidents: events/confrontations, e.g., a violent incident

122
Q

Incipient vs. Insipid

A

Incipient: embryonic/emerging
Insipid: dull/bland

123
Q

Incite vs. Insight

A

Incite: provoke
Insight: vision/awareness/perception

124
Q

Incredible vs. Incredulous

A

Incredible: astonishing/unbelievable
Incredulous: skeptical

125
Q

Indeterminable vs. Indeterminate

A

Indeterminable: impossible to determine
Indeterminate: undecided, vague

126
Q

Indite vs. Indict

A

Indite: to compose, e.g., indite a letter
Indict: to accuse/charge with a crime

127
Q

Inflammable vs. Flammable vs. Nonflammable
Style Tip?

A

Inflammable/Flammable mean the same thing: apt to ignite

Nonflammable: won’t ignite

Style Tip: Both Chicago Manual and AP prefer “Flammable.”

128
Q

Ingenuous vs. Ingenue vs. Ingenious

A

Ingenuous: innocent/frank
Ingenue: an innocent young woman
Ingenious: clever

129
Q

Insidious vs. invidious

A

Insidious: sinister
Invidious: unpleasant/unenviable

130
Q

Invoked vs. Evoked: Explain the difference.

A

Invoke is active and direct, and it can have a material effect; Evoke is passive and indirect, and it usually has an emotional or intellectual effect.

E.g., If we would like to invoke the spirit of Mozart, then we might literally summon his spirit into being or at least mention his name to make people understand our meaning. If we would like to evoke the spirit of Mozart, we would need to create or play music that reminds people of Mozart and his style.

131
Q

Irony vs. Satire vs. Sarcasm

A

Irony: a gap between reality and expectations, often created for dramatic or humorous effect.

Satire: Making fun of people by imitating their stupidity or flaws.

Sarcasm: insincere speech

132
Q

Just Deserts or Just Desserts?

A

Just Deserts: An old-world expression that uses an older noun version of “desert” meaning “deserved reward or punishment.”

133
Q

Led vs. Lead (7)

A

Led: past tense: directed/guided
Lead: primary /a clue/the frontrunner/a leash/to direct/to guide/metal

134
Q

Liable vs. Libel

A

Liable: accountable for/prone to
Libel: to defame

135
Q

Lightning vs. Lightening

A

Lightning: (storm)
Lightening: (of a load)

136
Q

Loath vs. Loathe

A

Loath: disinclined
Loathe: to hate

137
Q

Lose vs. Loose

A

Lose: to misplace
Loose: unattached

138
Q

Luxuriant vs. Luxurious

A

Luxuriant: lush, abundant, rich
Luxurious: comfortable

E.g., A luxuriant tropical garden was planted on the grounds of the most luxurious hotel in town.

139
Q

Mantle vs. Mantel

A

Mantle: a coat, cape, or covering, a layer of the Earth’s interior, a figurative reference to power or authority, e.g., picking up the mantle.

Mantel: ledge over a fireplace

140
Q

Martial vs. Marital

A

Martial: (arts)
Marital: (bed)

141
Q

Medal vs. Meddle

A

Medal: an award
Meddle: to interfere

142
Q

Metal vs. Mettle

A

Metal: (steel)
Mettle: courage

143
Q

Moral vs. Morale

A

Moral: a lesson
Morale: spirits, e.g., military

144
Q

Morbid vs. Moribund

A

Morbid: dark
Moribund: dying/ineffective

145
Q

Naval vs. Navel

A

Naval: (officer)
Navel: (bellybutton)

146
Q

Nauseated vs. Nauseous

A

Nauseated: to feel sick, e.g., I feel nauseated

Nauseous: causes others to feel sick, e.g., a nauseous gas

147
Q

Oral vs. Aural

A

Oral: Related to the mouth
Aural: related to the ear

148
Q

Pale vs. Pail

A

Pale: light/pallid/faint/diminish/blanch/fade/pale in comparison

Pail (bucket)

149
Q

Palette vs. Palate vs. Pallet

A

Palette: (painting)
Palate: (mouth)
Pallet: a bed or carrying device

150
Q

Parameter vs. Perimeter

A

Parameter: a limit, factor, property, or characteristic of something

Perimeter: the border of an enclosed space

151
Q

Parody vs. Parity

A

Parody: a spoof
Parity: equality

152
Q

Patience vs. Patients

A

Patience: ability to wait
Patients: sick or injured people

153
Q

Peak vs. Peek vs. Pique

A

Peak: (mountain)
Peek: (peek-a-boo)
Pique: temper/ to irritate/ to interest

154
Q

Peddle vs. Pedal

A

Peddle: to sell
Pedal: (bike)

155
Q

Persecute vs. Prosecute

A

Persecute: to make someone suffer or to keep them in bad circumstances

Prosecute: to participate in or pursue something to completion, a legal term

156
Q

Pitiless vs. Pitiable vs. Pitiful vs. Piteous

A

Pitiless: cruel, lacking compassion

Pitiable: deserving of pity, scornfully small or poor – often said with compassion, e.g., a pitiable shack.

Pitiful: deserving of pity, scornfully small or poor – often said in contempt, e.g., what a pitiful spread

Piteous: deserving of pity, for archaic or poetic use

157
Q

Pole vs. Poll

A

Pole: (flag pole), (North Pole), to push with a pole
Poll: election/survey

158
Q

Poring/Pore vs. Pouring/Pour

A

Poring/Pore: focusing/studying
Pouring /Pour: (coffee)

159
Q

Practical vs. Practicable

A

Practical: sensible
Practicable: possible

160
Q

Pray vs. Prey

A

Pray: (to God)
Prey: (hunting)

161
Q

Predominantly vs. Predominately
Style Tip?

A

Same meaning: mostly/mainly

Style Tip: AP and Chicago Manual prefer “Predominantly.”

162
Q

Predominate vs. Predominant

A

Predominate: VERB, to prevail, to have greater importance or quantity

Predominant: ADJ. most common, greatest importance or influence

163
Q

Precede vs. Proceed

A

Precede: to come before
Proceed: to continue or move forward

164
Q

Pretentious vs. Portentous

A

Pretentious: fake, conceited, showy

Portentous: a bad omen, can also mean someone who is trying to appear important – overlapping with pretentious

165
Q

Principal vs. Principle

A

Principal: primary/chief
Principle: rule/value

166
Q

Pragmatic vs. Dogmatic

A

Pragmatic: practical

Dogmatic: characterized by or given to the expression of opinions as if they were facts

167
Q

Precedents vs. Precedence

A

Precedents: Incidents that occurred previously and may now be used as a guide or example, e.g., court precedents.

Precedence: Having priority

168
Q

Premier vs. Premiere

A

Premier: best/national leader
Premiere: performance, film

169
Q

Prescribe vs. Proscribe

A

Prescribe: to recommend
Proscribe: to forbid

170
Q

Proceed vs. Precede

A

Proceed: begin or continue
Precede: to come before

171
Q

Prophesy vs. Prophecy
Common Mistake?

A

Prophesy: (verb)
Prophecy: (noun )
E.g., Prophets can prophesy a prophecy.

Common Mistake: The word “prophesized” does not exist. The correct word is “prophesied.”

172
Q

Prostate vs. Prostrate

A

Prostate: male gland
Prostrate: to lie down

173
Q

Quote vs. Quotation
Tip?

A

Quote: verb, to transcribe what someone said or wrote, crediting that person

Quotation: noun, the exact words of someone else

Tip: “Quote” is sometimes used as shorthand for “quotation,” but not in formal writing.

174
Q

Racquet vs. Racket

A

Racquet: (tennis)
Racket: noise/scam

175
Q

Raise vs. Rear

A

Raise: to lift up
Rear: (children)

176
Q

Raise vs. Raze

A

Raise: to lift up
Raze: to destroy

177
Q

Raise vs. Rise

A

Related words:
Raise: transitive verb (must have a direct object)
Rise: intransitive verb (no direct object needed)
E.g., Something raises something. Something rises.

178
Q

Rebut vs. Refute

A

Rebut: to try to prove something isn’t true
Refute: to actually prove it isn’t

179
Q

Regard vs. Regards

A

Regard: related, in regard to
Regards: a salutation

180
Q

Regrettably vs. Regretfully

A

Regrettably: unfortunate, unlucky – sad, but not your fault, e.g., regrettably, it rained on the big day.

Regretfully: filling you with regret – sad, but intentional, e.g., I must regretfully decline your invitation.

181
Q

Reign vs. Rein

A

Reign: to rule
Rein: to control, horse paraphernalia

182
Q

Reticent vs. Reluctant

A

Reticent: reserved, discreet, restrained
Reluctant: unwilling/hesitant

183
Q

Right vs. Write vs. Rite

A

Right: correct, direction, entitlement
Write: to compose
Rite: religious act

184
Q

Role vs. Roll

A

Role: a part or position
Roll: (bread, roll call, ball)

185
Q

Sac vs. Sack

A

Sac: (biological), e.g., egg sac
Sack: (bag)

186
Q

Scald vs. Scold

A

Scald: to burn
Scold: to criticize

187
Q

Scrimp vs. Skimp

A

Scrimp: to be thrifty; to save slowly and with difficulty, e.g., she scrimped all month to buy tickets

Skimp: to give or use barely enough, e.g., To keep the cost of her salads down, she skimped on tomatoes.

188
Q

Sensuous vs. Sensual

A

Sensuous: luxurious
Sensual: sexual

189
Q

Sheer vs. Shear

A

Sheer: pure/translucent/steep/plain)
Shear: fleece/shave/(wind shear)

190
Q

Site vs. Sight vs. Cite

A

Site: website/location
Sight: eyesight, something viewed
Cite: reference

191
Q

Slight vs. Sleight

A

Slight: little and light, a snub or insult
Sleight: slyness, sneakiness, e.g., a sleight of hand

192
Q

Stationery vs. Stationary

A

Stationery: paper
Stationary: still

193
Q

Statute vs. Stature vs. Statue

A

Statute: law
Stature: build/importance
Statue: sculpture

194
Q

Taut vs. Taught

A

Taut: tight
Taught: teach

195
Q

Than vs. Then

A

Than: compares
Then: next

196
Q

That vs. Which: Explain the difference.
Tip?

A

Use “that” for essential clauses, important to the meaning of a sentence, and without commas, e.g., I remember the day that we met.

Use “which” for nonessential clauses, where the clause is less necessary, and use commas, e.g., The team, which finished last a year ago, is in first place.

TIP: If you can drop the clause and not lose the meaning of the sentence, use “which;” otherwise, use “that.” A “which” clause is surrounded by commas; no commas are used with “that” clauses.)

197
Q

Threw vs. Through vs. Thorough

A

Threw: tossed
Through: (the window)
Thorough: careful and complete

198
Q

Torturous vs. Tortuous

A

Torturous: agonizing
Tortuous: twisting/devious

199
Q

Toward vs. Towards
Style Tip?

A

Toward: preferred spelling in the United States and Canada

Towards: preferred spelling in the UK

Style Tip: AP and Chicago only accept “toward.”

200
Q

Troop vs. Troupe

A

Troop: a group of soldiers
Troupe: a group of performers

201
Q

Trooper vs. Trouper

A

Trooper: cop
Trouper: playactor
E.g., The Trooper was a real Trouper.

202
Q

Turgid vs.Turbid vs. Torpid

A

Turgid: pompous/pretentious/dull
Turbid: muddy/confused
Torpid: idle, lazy, and sleepy

203
Q

Unconscionable vs. Unconscious

A

Unconscionable: unthinkable
Unconscious: unaware

204
Q

Undo vs. Undue

A

Undo: to unfasten, reverse progress, to upset another person or cause them to fail

Undue: extreme, excessive, e.g., undue force

205
Q

Unexceptionable vs. Unexceptional

A

Unexceptionable: beyond reproach
Unexceptional: nondescript/typical

206
Q

Uninterested vs. Disinterested
Point of interest?
Style Tip?

A

Uninterested: not interested
Disinterested: unbiased

Point of Interest: Both words are technically acceptable terms for “not interested,” but in modern usage, disinterested is most often used to denote a lack of bias.

Style Tip: Both AP and Chicago Manual reserve the word “disinterested” as a synonym for “unbiased” only.

207
Q

Vain vs. Vane vs. Vein

A

Vain: futile/hollow/conceited
Vane: (weather vane)
Vein: (blood)

208
Q

Venal vs. Venial

A

Venal: corruptible/corrupt, e.g., That judge is known for being venal and easily bought
Venial: forgivable/minor, e.g., venial sin

209
Q

Voracious vs. Veracious

A

Voracious: hungry
Veracious: truthful

210
Q

Waist vs. Waste

A

Waist: (belly)
Waste: to squander/trash

211
Q

Waver vs. Waiver

A

Waver: to be indecisive, falter, or hesitate
Waiver: a permissive form relinquishing certain rights.

212
Q

Weather vs. Whether vs. Wether

A

Weather: outside conditions
Whether: (or not)
Wether: a castrated sheep

213
Q

Wreak vs. Reek vs. Wreck

A

Wreak: to inflict, e.g., wreak havoc
Reek: strong unpleasant odor
Wreck: to destroy, or something that has been destroyed, e.g shipwreck

214
Q

Wringing vs. Ringing

A

Wringing: squeezing, drenched, e.g., wringing wet
Ringing: noise, encircling, calling

215
Q

Yolk vs. Yoke

A

Yolk: (egg)
Yoke: a harness

216
Q

Ingenuine vs. Disingenuous

A

Ingenuine: Not genuine; not used formally

Disingenuous: insincere, not genuine

217
Q

Duel vs. Dual

A

Duel: fight
Dual: double

218
Q

Past vs. Last

A

Past: refers to time
Last: refers to order
E.g., His income soared the past three years—not “last.” vs. I loved his last book!

219
Q

Ability vs. Capability vs. Capacity

A

Ability: a physical or mental skill or the power to achieve something.

Capability: refers more generally to power or ability, or being able to use or be used in a certain way,e.g., long-range capability.

Capacity: ability to hold or contain something

220
Q

About vs. Approximately: Which is preferred?

Tip?

Exception?

A

When possible, use “about” instead of “approximately.”

TIP: Avoid coupling with other words of approximation, such as “guess” or “estimate.”

EXCEPTION: “Approximately” is preferred in scientific reference.

221
Q

Accord vs. Accordance

A

Accord: agreement
Accordance: conformity, e.g., “in accordance with”

222
Q

Addicted vs. Dependent

A

One is physically addicted to something but psychologically dependent on something.

223
Q

Adduce vs. Deduce vs. Induce

A

Adduce: to give as a reason, to offer as proof, or as an example, e.g., as evidence of reliability, she adduced her four years of steady volunteer work as a nurse’s aide

Deduce: to draw a specific conclusion from general principles

Induce: to form a general principle based on specific observations, e.g., After years of studying ravens, the researchers induced a few of their social habits

224
Q

Adequate vs. Sufficient

A

Adequate: the suitability of something in a particular circumstance, e.g. an adequate excuse

Sufficient: enough to meet a need, used specifically with mass nouns, plurals, and abstract concepts, e.g., sufficient information)

225
Q

Adherence vs. Adhesion

A

Adherence: figurative, to “stick” to a rule

Adhesion: to literally stick to something.

E.g., Your adherence to the transportation code requires the adhesion of an inspection sticker to your windshield

226
Q

Admission vs. Admittance

A

Admission: figurative, to be granted the rights and privileges of entry

Admittance: physical entry, e.g., no admittance beyond this point

227
Q

Already vs. All Ready

A

Already: refers to time, e.g., it’s bedtime already)

All Ready: refers to preparedness (E.g.,is everyone prepared?)

228
Q

Amend vs. Emend

A

Amend: to change or add to, e.g., the city amended its charter

Emend: to correct text, e.g., he emended several typos)

229
Q

Amount vs. Number

A

Use “amount” for things that cannot be counted and “number” for things that can be counted.

230
Q

Assault vs. Battery

A

Assault: a threat that causes someone to reasonably fear physical violence

Battery: violent and intentional physical contact with another person.

231
Q

Assemblage vs. Assembly

A

Assemblage: an informal collection of people or things

Assembly: a group of people organized for a purpose.

232
Q

Auger vs. Augur

A

Auger: a tool for boring
Augur: a seer, to foretell

233
Q

Avenge/Vengeance vs. Revenge

A

Avenge/Vengeance: to punish/punishment for a specific wrong

Revenge: the infliction of harm on another out of anger or resentment

234
Q

Avocation vs. Vocation

A

Avocation: hobby
Vocation: profession

235
Q

Bacteria vs. Bacterium

A

Bacteria: plural
Bacterium: singular

236
Q

Bale vs. Bail

A

Bale: a bundle, to bundle, e.g., a bale of hay

Bail: to scoop out water, to leave quickly or escape, to post security, e.g., to post bail.

237
Q

Beneficence vs. Benevolence

A

Benevolence: the attribute of being disposed to doing good, applies most often to people, e.g., They praised the priest’s benevolence.

Beneficence: the act of performing a good deed, e.g., The beneficence of one man.

238
Q

Between vs. Among vs. Amid

Exception?

Tip?

A

Between: indicates one-to-one relationships, e.g., between you and me.

Among: indicates undefined or collective relationships, e.g., honor among thieves, also used with plurals of nouns that can be counted, e.g., among the children

Amid: used with mass nouns, e.g., amid talk of war

EXCEPTION: “Between” is perfectly appropriate for more than two objects if multiple one-to-one relationships are understood from the context, e.g., trade between members of the European Union

Tip: Avoid “amidst” and “amongst”.

239
Q

Beside vs. Besides

A

Beside: at the side of
Besides: in addition to

240
Q

Blatant vs. Flagrant

A

Blatant: plain for all to see, e.g., a blatant error
Flagrant: brazen and open, e.g., a flagrant insult

241
Q

Born vs. Borne

A

Born: to be born, a born ruler

Borne: the past participle of “bear,” also used to form compound terms in the sciences, e.g., foodborne, vector-borne

242
Q

Bring vs. Take: Tip?

A

Bring vs. Take: Ask yourself: where is the action directed? If it’s toward you, use “bring,” e.g., bring home the bacon. If it’s away from you, use “take,” e.g., take out the trash.

243
Q

Childish vs. Childlike

A

Childish: negative connotation, connotes immaturity and unreasonableness, e.g., childish ranting

Childlike: positive connotation, connotes innocence, mildness, and freshness, e.g., a childlike smile

244
Q

Collaborate vs. Corroborate

A

Collaborate: to work together
Corroborate: to back up with proof or evidence

245
Q

Collegial vs. Collegiate

A

Collegial: describes a relationship with a colleague
Collegiate: describes a relationship to college

246
Q

Common vs. Mutual

Tip?

A

Common: shared by two or more people

Mutual: reciprocal, e.g., mutual obligations

Tip: “friend in common” is preferred to “mutual friend”

247
Q

Compelled vs. Impelled

A

Compelled: forced
Impelled: convinced of something’s necessity

248
Q

Complacent vs. Complaisant vs. Compliant

A

Complacent: to be content with oneself and one’s life and unprepared for it to change

Complaisant: to be easygoing and eager to please

Compliant: obedient

249
Q

Condole vs. Console

A

Condole: to verbally express sympathy
Console: to comfort

250
Q

Contagious vs. Infectious

Tip?

A

Contagious: spreads by direct contact with an infected person or animal

Infectious: spread by germs on a contaminated object

Tip: In nonliteral usage, the terms are interchangeable

251
Q

Contravene vs. Controvert

A

Contravene: to conflict with or violate

Controvert: to challenge or contradict

252
Q

Corporal vs. Corporeal

A

Corporal: relates to the body, e.g., corporal punishment

Corporeal: has a body, e.g., not our spiritual but our corporeal existence

253
Q

Counselor vs. Councilor

A

Counselor: a person who gives advice
Councilor: one who sits on a council

254
Q

Crevice vs. Crevasse: Explain the difference.

A

A matter of size. A crack in the sidewalk is a “crevice”; a fissure in a glacier or a dam is a “crevasse.”

255
Q

Derisive vs. Derisory

A

Derisive: ridiculing, e.g., derisive laughter
Derisory: deserving of ridicule, e.g., a derisory hat

256
Q

Discriminating vs. Discriminatory

A

Discriminating: distinguishing, discerning

Discriminatory: reflecting a biased treatment, e.g., a discriminatory employment policy

257
Q

Eager vs. Anxious

A

Eager: excited, enthusiastic

Anxious: denotes uneasiness

NOTE: Anxious has a negative connotation. Don’t use it in place of “eager,” e.g., I’m anxious to meet him.

258
Q

Effrontery vs. Affront

A

Effrontery: an act of shameless impudence or audacity
Affront: a deliberate insult

259
Q

Enervate vs. Innervate

A

Enervate: to weaken or drain energy
Innervate: to stimulate or provide energy

260
Q

Enumerable vs. Innumerable

A

Enumerable: countable
Innumerable: can’t be counted, at least not practically

261
Q

Forbear vs. Forebear

A

Forbear: to refrain
Forebear: an ancestor

262
Q

Forego vs. Forgo

A

Forego: to go before
Forgo: to do without or renounce

263
Q

Fortuitous vs. Fortunate

A

Fortuitous: by chance
Fortunate: by good fortune

264
Q

Guild vs. Gild

A

Guild: an organization of persons with a common interest or profession

Gild: to gild is to put a thin layer of gold on something

265
Q

Imply vs. Infer

A

Imply: to hint or suggest
Infer: to deduce

266
Q

Innate vs. Inherent

A

Innate: a characteristic that a living thing has from birth

Inherent: a characteristic that is part of a thing’s nature, but life is not implied, e.g., the rock’s inherent hardness

267
Q

Jealousy vs. Envy

A

Jealousy: resentment toward another

Envy: covetousness of another’s advantages, possessions, or abilities

268
Q

Leach vs. Leech

A

Leach: to percolate or to separate out solids in solution by percolation

Leech: a bloodsucking creature

269
Q

Lease vs. Let

A

Same meaning with one distinction: Either the owner or the tenant can be said to “lease” property, but only the owner can be said to “let” it.

270
Q

Malevolent vs. Maleficent

A

Malevolent: evil in mind, e.g., with malevolent intent

Maleficent: evil in deed, e.g., a maleficent bully

271
Q

Naturalist vs. Naturist

A

Naturalist: a person who studies natural history
Naturist: a nature worshiper or a nudist

272
Q

Obtuse vs. Abstruse

A

Obtuse: describes a person who can’t understand, dull, dull-witted

Abstruse: describes an idea that is hard to understand, incomprehensible or nearly so

273
Q

Odious vs. Odorous vs. Odoriferous vs. Malodorous

A

Odious: hateful
Odorous/Odoriferous: detectable by smell—for better or worse
Malodorous: smelling quite bad

274
Q

Oppress vs. Repress

A

Oppress: to persecute or tyrannize
Repress: to restrain or subordinate

275
Q

Ordinance vs. Ordnance

A

Ordinance: a regulation or an authoritative decree

Ordnance: military armament, especially artillery but also weapons and ammunition generally

276
Q

Pertain vs. Appertain

A

Pertain: to relate to

Appertain: to belong to by right, e.g., rights appertaining to the defendant

277
Q

Precipitate vs. Precipitous

A

Precipitate: to cause to happen suddenly, to act or speak in a sudden or rash manner.

Precipitous: dangerously steep

278
Q

Purposely vs. Purposefully

A

Purposely: done intentionally

Purposefully: done with a certain goal in mind, e.g., he strode purposefully into the room

279
Q

Rack vs. Wrack

A

“Rack” is used in all common usage. “Wrack” refers only to seaweed.

280
Q

Recur vs. Reoccur

A

Recur: to happen again and again, to return to one’s attention or memory, e.g., the idea recurred to him throughout the night

Reoccur: to happen again

281
Q

Refrain vs. Restrain

A

Refrain: to keep from doing something

Restrain: to stop another from doing something, especially by force

E.g., if you don’t refrain from disorderly conduct, the police will restrain you.

282
Q

Staunch vs. Stanch

A

Staunch: ardent and faithful
Stanch: to stop the flow

283
Q

Subsequent vs. Consequent

Tip?

A

Subsequent: something that happens after something else

Consequent: something that happens as a result of something that happened before

Tip: The second denotes causation; the first does not.

284
Q

Systematic vs. Systemic

A

Systematic: according to a plan or system, organized methodically, or arranged in a system

Systemic: affecting the whole of something

285
Q

Tantalizing vs. Titillating

A

Tantalizing: something desired but out of reach

Titillating: something that tickles pleasantly, literally or figuratively—often carries sexual connotations

286
Q

Plain vs. Plane

A

Plain: simple, apparent, unadorned, an expanse of lowland

Plane: airplane, flat surface, wood-shaping tool

287
Q

Formula vs. Formulas vs. Formulae.

A

Formula: Singular
Formulas: Plural, preferred
Formulae: Plural, less common

288
Q

Bold vs. Bald
Tip?

A

Bold: fearless
Bald: simple & blunt (or having no hair)

Tip:
Certain phrases use these words almost interchangeably, e.g. a bold/bald-faced lie.

“Bold statement” and “bald statement” are both acceptable phrases, but they mean slightly different things.

289
Q

Is the correct expression “chomping at the bit” or “champing at the bit”?

A

“Champing at the bit”
To chomp is to bite or chew. To champ is to grind.

Editing Competency (9 decks)

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