Confusing Words Clarified: Group C; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc.
(lists of "C" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)
Three words that every student of language should understand are homonyms, synonyms, and antonyms.
Homonyms are words that sound alike, but have different meanings. Synonyms are words that are related in meaning but do not sound alike (begin and commence, for example).
Antonyms are direct opposites in meaning, as hot and cold; white and black.
With homonyms, the following set of to, too, and two are all pronounced exactly alike, but by no means are they interchangeable in writing. To be sure that you choose the correct spelling for any on these, you must know the meanings of all three so you will not make wrong choices with a feeling of vagueness and uncertainty.
Efforts have been made to help you grasp the meanings of these and other 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.
2. Self-control over urinary and fecal discharges: Jody read that most children have continence by the age of three.
History suggests that many nations did not exercise continence when they were colonizing land in the various continents around the world.
The continual tapping of the rain on the roof reminded Kirk of the continuous noise of tropical birds hopping on the tin roof of his lodge in the jungle.
The continuation of the trial was scheduled for two weeks after the judge ordered a continuance for health reasons.
After the interruption by the radio announcer, Krystal and Kari decided to resume their discussion of whether they should continue their day trip to the famous cathedral or go to the local pub.
The company was awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to build a new courthouse.
They will make a legal contract for the marriage to take place in June.
2. To become ill with a disease: Doreen apparently did indeed contract malaria while she was traveling in Africa.
3. To make an agreement to work or to pay someone to work: The carpenter will contract with the couple to do the work on their house.
4. To agree formally to a marriage, an alliance, etc.: The company wanted to contract an alliance with a former competitor.
The two families agreed to sign a contract which would create a formal contract between them.
However, this contract was canceled when one of the family members appeared to contract a disease while traveling abroad.
During their discussion, the two members of the debate team realized that their views on the subject did in fact converge.
Realizing that our thoughts would diverge on the issue of the consequence for highway speeding, we decided to drop the subject.
Rather than having their travel program diverge from the original plan, Wade and Austin decided to converge in the next town and have lunch before continuing any farther.
2. The accomplishment of a point or free throw in a sports activity; such as, American Football: The team captain kicked the ball for the conversion, tying the game, 1 to 1.
The player was all set to kick the ball for the conversion point and win the game when there was a diversion among the fans in the stadium that may have caused him to miss the point.
Muriel, if I can persuade you to carry an umbrella, your argument for a walk through the park in this hot sun will convince me of your intention not to get skin cancer.
When Jean unexpectedly had a convulsion, she threw up. Although Cynthia could understand what happened, her stomach had an instant revulsion to the odor.
2. To express or to utter fondly or amorously, as with a murmuring sound: The lovers sat on the bench in the park so they could coo with each other without interruption.
2. A sudden appropriation of leadership or power; a takeover: The joining of the two major companies was an unexpected coup for the Board of Directors.
The daughter of the union boss was pleased with the coup by the workers during the strike and Jody tried to coo her delight about it to her boyfriend who reciprocated.
2. Marked by calm self-control: She was a cool negotiator during the heat of the argument.
3. Referring to, relating to, or characteristic of colors; such as, blue and green, that produce the impression of freshness, calm, and no heat: The moderate blue of the room seemed to make Elena feel cool and comfortable.
4. In a calm manner or a way that does not seem unusual or excited: Amy didn't want to seem too eager, so she tried to play it cool or to pretend to be calm even though she wasn't feeling calm.
The cool weather tended to cool the passions of the marchers in the parade.
The marchers were waving flags of many cool colors which they waved in a rhythmic and cool way.
At the end of the parade, the marchers took off their shoes and put their feet in the pond to cool their feet.
When the railroad was being built in the coulee, the project manager hired a coolie to work in the kitchen.
Despite Rene's usual good manners, yesterday the project manager seemed to act coolly towards the workers.
When there are too many people riding in the coupe, it can feel like an overcrowded coop.
2. A shortened term for members of the Coptic Church: Copts have had to commute to distant churches or worship by hiding at different homes in Cairo, Egypt.
Restrictions in Egypt have exacerbated sectarian violence and discrimination, say Copts, a 2,000-year-old-denomination that comprises about ten percent of the population.
Several members of the Copts decided to plant a copse of trees in the coulee, but first they had to get permission from the cops to do so.
The corps of friends gathered at the city park in the core of the city for a memorial for the corpse of their friend.
