Confusing Words Clarified: Group B; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc.
(lists of "B" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)
A classic story tells how Plato had defined man as a featherless two-tooted animal, and his students agreed. The next day, Diogenes pulled the feathers off a cock and took it to Plato.
"Here's Plato's man," he said.
It was an embarrassing moment for Plato. Thereafter he corrected the definition to "a featherless two-footed animal with flat nails".
Ever since Plato's description, man has never ceased to define man, and has constantly sought a more meaningful self-definition. Voltaire altered the Platonic version, in Candide, to "man is a featherless biped with a soul".
Another unknown author created, "Man is the only animal that eats when he is not hungry, and drinks when he is not thirsty."
Efforts have been made to help you grasp the meanings of various words that may be confusing so you can utilize them with greater accuracy in your communication.
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome by writing to: E-mail Contact (just click it for an e-mail form) or by typing, [email protected], as the address in your e-mail heading.
If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.
Kent had a large bundle of cash in his pocket when he went shopping.
The secret-service agent managed to bungle his mission which was to deliver a large bundle of secret documents to his superior officer.
On his way to the city hall, the burgher decided he was hungry and stopped to buy a burger and fries for lunch.
The robber decided to employ a thief to assist him in his crimes; and because they were so clever, the police thought they were dealing with only one burglar.
The burly steamboat captain was often seen smoking burley which he imported from Kentucky.
2. To experience an unexpected and strong emotion: Jim's heart burst with love for the lovely girl whose name he did not know.
When the robber and the thief burst into the room through the window, they bumped the bust that belonged to the senator which fell to the floor with a thump and it bust into a hundred pieces.
When she saw this, the senator was so upset, she burst into tears and exclaimed, "I am a complete bust when it comes to collecting art."
The police thought they would soon be able to bust the house breakers crime syndicate.
2. A four-wheeled cart for carrying dishes in a restaurant: The first job Janet had after high school was to push the bus from table to table, clearing off the dirty dishes.
When Jerry and Erica got off the bus, the two new friends said goodbye with a buss on each other’s cheeks; however, when they went into the cafe, they accidentally bumped into the bus which the waiter was using.
2. The unused end of a cigar or cigarette: The street person picked up the butt of the cigar to try to smoke it.
3. A target for abuse or ridicule: The senator was often the butt of the chairman’s jokes.
Ross is often the butt of his sister's sense of humor, but he tends to be calm and smokes the butt of his cigar while thinking of a response.
Confusing Words:
Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.
Confusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.
Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.
