Confusing Words Clarified: Group I; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(lists of "I" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)
If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.
Any disease that is of uncertain or unknown origin may be termed idiopathic.
2. Something which happens spontaneously or develops from an unknown cause: The idiopathy of the new gene puzzled everyone in the laboratory.
The sore on Trina's leg appeared to be idiopathic. The doctors were puzzled especially when another idiopathy with different characteristics erupted on her other leg.
2. Pertaining to a person who is unemployed; unoccupied; redundant: So many people have become idle because they can't find jobs.
2. Someone who is greatly loved or admired: Lenora was an actress who was the idol of thousands of people.
2. A narrative poem about an epic or romantic theme: Tennyson's Idylls of the King is considered by some to be the most famous idyll in English.
3. A scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature: Trish recalls living a pastoral idyll as a child.
The neighbors talked about the pleasures they had during their idyllic vacation in the country last year.
Luck is the idol of the idle who have written about their idyll days away from cities and lived in idyllic conditions.
When Bradley fell, he fractured his ilium. That was painful but his discomfort was compounded by the simultaneous inflammation of his ileum.
The designer tried to imbue the style of upholstery available in the stores by deciding to imbrue the fabric with multiple hues of green.
2. To copy another person's behavior, sound, appearance, etc.; to follow the example of; to take as one's model; and to impersonate or to mimic: Jerome is very good at trying to imitate his father's voice.
2. Referring to the most private or personal relationship or to the situation of being closely acquainted or associated; very familiar: Karin and Karl have an intimate friendship with their neighbors.
2. To make known subtly and indirectly; to hint: During the conversation, Christy tried to intimate that she was not happy with her job.
2. To frighten into submission, compliance, or acquiescence: Sometimes a lawyer will intimidate a witness in order to make that person say something that will weaken his or her testimony.
Nicholas didn't want to imitate nor intimidate what he was about to intimate to his intimate friend.
The romantic poet gained immortal fame even though many considered his social behavior to be immoral.
2. A condition whereby a person is protected or exempt from certain normal civil rules; implies freedom from or protection against something disagreeable or menacing: Walter's status as an ambassador gave him immunity from being questioned by the police.
The local jewel thief often acted with the knowledge that he had impunity because the police frequently granted him immunity in exchange for secret information about other criminals.
It was impossible to read Eric's impassible expression at the news of the efforts of his friends to cross the impassable mountain pass during the winter.
The romantic was frequently impetuous, expressing his deep feelings in a vehement manner; such as, loudly serenading his new love under her balcony.
2. To affect the limits of something; especially, a right or law, often causing some kind of restriction: Gerald's lawyer argued that such publicity would impinge on his client's right to a just trial.
Lorna felt that Ken's vehement speech in favor of a strike vote was an attempt to infringe on her right to make her own decision; since, such a vote would no doubt impinge on her ongoing employment.
The imposture by the infamous impostor struck at the heart of the national government, threatening its very existence.
2. Characterized by offensive boldness; insolent or impertinent: The little boy’s impudent behavior earned him "an early to bed time".
It was an impudent show of bravado when the elderly rancher decided on an imprudent course of action and married a young bride for her fortune.
Imprudent is when someone suffers from acute indiscretion.
Impudent is the proof that man does not live by bread alone, but also by crust (being rude and impertinent; self-assertiveness; nerve; gall).
When Helena arrived at the reception desk of the inn, she inquired whether she was in time for dinner and then when she was told, yes, she had plenty of time, she was shown to a table in the restaurant, so she could order her meal.
2. Empty, vacant; lacking sense or meaning; foolish, pointless: Cleo quickly got tired of the inane questions the people were asking her.
It was insane of the prisoners to think that they could get away with their inane plan to escape from prison by digging a hole through the wall.
2. Several happenings or events as a result of or in connection with something more important: Mollie remembered the happy incidents of her childhood when she went to the beaches and got sunburned.
The principal talked to the students about several incidents of roudy behavior on the playground. He told them that any increase in incidence of these activities could result in the cancellation of any more sports events.
Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.
Confusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.
Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.
