Confusing Words Clarified: Group D; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(lists of "D" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)
The day-to-day arena of spoken and written communication has always been a perilous place, fraught with endless possibilities for embarrassing blunders by even the most wary.
People may have a fine grasp of grammar, be proficient with spelling and syntax, and still occasionally find themselves in a quandary about which word to use. These days it seems that those of us who want to be precise are having a harder time than ever because there is so much which is working against us.
For one thing, there is the constant bombardment of sloppy English that we are subjected to from what we hear and read; and not just what's overheard on the bus or read on the walls of buildings.
We are also subjected to the many errors audible on TV or radio and published in every conceivable kind of printed matter; especially, in blogs and other presentations on some internet sites. These are strong influences, and if we hear and see a word misused often enough, it takes on a certain "correctness".
If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.
Once again, we want you to know that efforts have been made to help you grasp the meanings of the following and the other word groups 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.
2. Cool air moving in a closed space; such as, in a room: "It would be a good idea if the windows were closed so we can stop the draft."
2. In Britain, draughts (DRAFTS) is the name for a game of checkers: "Curt took a draught of beer while he was playing a game of draughts in the pub."
At the local bar, Solomon called for a draught of ale and went to sit in the draft by the window.
Later, his friends joined him and they played a game of draughts before he went home to write the first draft of his speech.
2. To choose something from a group without knowing which one is being chosen: "Imogene was about to draw the slip from the container indicating what the prize would be for the winner."
3. To cause someone to become involved or interested in something or someone: "A good writer knows how to draw readers in by making them interested in the contents of the material."
2. The choice of someone for a prize: "There will be a draw for the winner of the money in a few minutes."
Petra won the draw at the party; the prize was for an artist to draw a portrait of her dog.
This was a popular prize which served to draw many people to buy more tickets in hopes of also winning a similar draw.
No one needs to see Elma dress in order to see her new dress.
2. An exercise done to practice military skills or procedures: "During basic training, the military recruits spent hours every day doing one drill after another one as they were led by their sergeants."
3. A physical or mental activity that is done repeatedly in order to learn something, to become more skillful, etc.: "Sheena's students do a vocabulary drill every Monday and Wednesday to prepare them for the tests that will be given on the following Fridays."
2. To teach or to train people by repeating a lesson or exercise again and again: "The teachers wanted to drill the children on their multiplication tables at least three times a week."
"The commander gave orders to drill the troops by having them practice the specified military procedures and exercises until they got them right."
When Imogene's friend, Daphne, studied carpentry, she learned by rote drill the safety procedures and how to use a drill and other tools..
So, Daphne became very accomplished and was able to use the large industrial drill to drill holes of any size that might be required.
All of us can benefit when we drill or exercise our minds without using a drill to make holes in our heads.
When the cherries are ripe, the branches of the trees tend to droop with the weight of the drupe.
Burton said he just saw a double sword fight, or a dual duel, yesterday in the gymnasium.
2. A bodily passage, particularly one for secretion: "The duct from the kidney was blocked and it was very painful for the patient."
When Stan walked in the basement, he ducked his head so he wouldn't hit it on the heating duct coming from the furnace.
After the prince was accidentally locked in the dungeon, he was in a state of high dudgeon and so he complained to the king about how poorly he had been treated.
Georgina goes to the city dump every weekend to dump her garbage and to deposit items for recycling.
The dwarf lived in a charming house in the village where he had a remarkable garden and had a statue of a garden gnome near the fountain.
Because the fountain was often dry, the dwarf joked that an elf must be coming at night and emptying the water out of the fountain.
"Some people think women have been dyeing their hair for centuries."
"Many people are dying from curable diseases for lack of medical attention."
2. To wish or to long for something intensely: "Lucile is dying to wear her new shoes to the dance."Pierre is dying to try dyeing his hair blond.
2. Having or showing a lot of energy: "Haley was a dynamic speaker and so she presented an exciting and dynamic performance."
3. Highlighted by physical force or energy: "Trent's dynamic behavior was reflected in his inability to sit quietly."
2. Someone or something that may cause arguments or trouble: "The death penalty is still political dynamite."
3. Informal use, exciting and very impressive or pleasing: "Edmond's new musical album is dynamite."
"The rock band put on a performance that the audience described as being dynamite."
The dynamic duo toured the country singing about the dangers of using dynamite for road repairs.
Dynamite explodes with such dynamic energy that it can easily harm houses, sidewalks, etc.
Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.
Confusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.
Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.
