Confusing Words Clarified: Group E; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(lists of "E" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)
All of the main entries in these "Confusing Words" groups are explained, or defined, followed by pronunciations, and sentences which are meant to enhance your understanding of their meanings.
The definitions provided are based on dictionary presentations and are meant to help you differentiate between the various meanings of each word group.
Many current dictionaries, popular writing books, specialized topical resources, and style guides were consulted for these groups so you can develop better word skills and communication tools.
In your daily writing, be aware of what the "right words are for the correct meanings" so you can improve your writing accuracy in a positive way.
A great deal of effort has been devoted to help you grasp the meanings of over 1,700 word groups (or more than 5,100 entry words in the sections) which may be confusing to you so you can utilize them with greater accuracy in your communications.
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.
Daphne first decided to envelop the lovely card she was sending to her mother in pink paper before she put it in the envelope to be mailed.
Donovan, be careful what you covet because you might get what you desire and then you could arouse envy among your friends who just might turn out to be your enemies.
The balladeers told the epic tale of giants who lived on the earth before the present epoch in which we live.
"Genius without Education is like Silver in the Mine."
"Keep our eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards."
"He's a Fool who makes his Doctor his Heir."
"Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
epigraph (EP i graf") (noun)2. A quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, or section of a book, usually related to its theme: There is an appropriate and amusing epigraph located every so often in this dictionary.
The epigraph on the stone which marked the grave of the author quoted a portion of an epigram from his friend.
Additional epigrams are available at this "Benjamin Franklin: A Genius of Many Gifts" page.
He always lied
He once lied loud
He now lies still.
2. An offensive word or name that is used as a way of abusing or insulting someone or others: There was a group of angry people hurling one epithet after another at each other.
An epitaph is sometimes a statement that tells a monumental lie or epithet above (on the grave stone) about the person who lies below.
Vince's equable temperament made it easy for him to act in an equitable manner during the tense union negotiations.
It is an error to think that the modern era ended at the turn of the century.
The irascible temper of the professor often confused the students. Sometimes he would write information on the chalkboard which he would then consider erasable before the end of his lecture.
2. To raise to a rigid or vertical condition: The gardener was careful to erect the flowers in an upright position so they would bloom better.
The professor always appeared so erect and proper that it was hard to imagine that he would ever eruct in public.
The eruption of the volcano and subsequent destruction of the infrastructure in the city caused concern that there would be an irruption of disease in the city.
It was an especial honor to listen to the professor talk about spacial relationships in architecture.
It was a special moment to see my favorite building highlighted in the discussion.
The senior eunuch in the court was in a unique position to know all the court intrigues.
The speaker tried to evade questions that were being asked about the efforts of a large educational publisher to invade the small country school systems.
2. At any time: The crime rate is higher now than it has ever been.
3. To a greater degree: Technology in recent years has become ever more sophisticated.
You can never be sure about much of anything these days.
It is ever true, as some authors have said, that you can never go home again.
2. Concerning something that is used or seen daily; suitable for daily use: Don't let the problems of everyday life affect you to such a degree that you are emotionally upset.
Every day something happens that makes Sebastian wonder if he should expect everyday errors to be the norm.
