Confusing Words Clarified: Group W; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(lists of "W" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)
Words are timeless. You should utter them or write them with a knowledge of their meanings and timelessness.
If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.
The nurse started to wheel the patient with an ugly wheal on her arm into the examination room.
2. Used to introduce an additional statement about something that has already been mentioned: "The old car, which Rita and Shawn bought ten years ago, is still going strong!"
2. A very unpleasant woman: "Travis said that his mother-in-law was an old witch who was always criticizing."
Which witch do you think spoke to Macbeth in the Scottish play that was written by William Shakespeare?
While Emily will wile her time sitting in the park, Victor will do the shopping and meet her for coffee later.
2. To make a high, crying sound: "The cat will always whine when it wants something to eat!"
When grape alcohol turns out to be bad, people will hear a lot of wine whine from those who grew the grapes and produced the drink.
2. To turn rapidly in circles: "This new washing machine can whirl clothes at a terrific speed!"
2. A pattern that is made by a series of circles that turn around a central point: "The whorl of the suspect's finger print identified him as the criminal."
The social season seemed to whirl past the family like a gay and lively whorl.
"Curtis is not a whit smarter."
"Crystal didn't care a whit about the money."
2. Astuteness of perception: "Peggy had the wit to leave before the situation became any worse."
It matters not a whit to Tiffany whether Nathan is described as a wit or not. She still thinks he has horrible manners.
2. Used figuratively to indicate a loss of hope or opportunity: "Wanda's hopes of going to Ireland this summer seem to wither with the passing of each week."
Kim asked Jim, whither shall we go before our hopes wither and we forget completely that we were going to go to the races? Well, Kim, let's go now because I want to see my favorite race horse which measures seven hands at the withers.
"Cindy is a student who's [who has] always been interested in learning more words."
"I wonder whose story was chosen in the literary contest?"
2. Used to show which person or thing a person is talking about: "The literary prize will go to the writer whose story shows the most imagination."3. Applied to give more information about a person or thing that has already been mentioned: "Ralph's friend, whose brother is an author, had many suggestions as to how he can get his book published."
Who's going to ask the audience about the gloves that were found on the table in the foyer? It is important to know whose they are so the gloves can be returned to the owner.
2. Used after a noun or pronoun to show which group of people someone is talking about: "Children who are interested in joining the play group should come tomorrow."
3. Used to introduce an additional statement about someone who has already been mentioned: "Brandon, the neighbor who lives next door, takes care of the house that belongs to Pamela and her family when they are on vacation."
"Heather, Roy's sister, with whom he is very close, works for another business."
Whom is a more formal word than who and is not commonly used in ordinary speech and writing, where it can seem awkward and unnatural."
Who do you think is pretending to be an owl and whispering WOOO, WOOO, WOOO in the garden? To whom are you directing your question?
"People could hear the wagon driver yelling whoa to his horses because they were running in a panic as they pulled the four-wheeler across the field."
2. Used to tell someone to slow down or stop and think about something: "Whoa, Cheryl. Now which way should we continue?"3. Used to show that someone is surprised or impressed: "Whoa, that is really a neat cell phone!"
2. Problems or troubles: "Susan's financial woes are well known at the bank."
3. Used as a warning that there will be trouble if someone does something specified [old-fashioned]: "Woe to any student who comes late to that language lesson because he or she will really be in trouble."
Sam, all of my woes will be over if you will only whoa a minute and tell me what you want for your birthday. Woe is me if I give you something you don't like.
The social club wanted to introduce Kyle's aunt, who is a widow, to the widower who recently joined the group.
When Jan's kitten was very young, it would just wiggle with excitement. If she picked the kitten up, it tended to wriggle in her arms until she put it down again.
"Martin and Ernest will continue with the project, and they will complete it!"
Steve's father promised his son that he will complete writing the draft of his will today because he is afraid that he will put it off again. He really must will himself to concentrate on the task.
2. A movement of air generated artificially, as by a bellows or a fan: "Lori and Edna had the fan on to make some wind in their very hot and humid room."
2. To coil the spring of a mechanism by turning a stem or cord: "Wanda had to wind her old-fashioned watch every day or it would not keep time."
While sailing on the weekend, there was a strong wind and Kevin and his crew had a problem trying to wind the sail; however, later they all wined and dined when the situation was much calmer.
"The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking."
They always say the fish they caught
Last year were twice the size,
And make a big production of
Their rods and lures and flies.
They tell the tallest tales, it seems,
Straight-faced and without blinking:
It's not exactly lies, you know,
But rather fishful thinking.
The wishful thinker often ends up being in a wistful condition.
Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.
Confusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.
Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.
