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. An accepted rule or guide about how people should behave or about how something should be done: Anyone who disregards every canon of honesty, as this store manager has, should be fired.
It was against the canons for respectful behavior to fire a cannon over the canyon edge during the tourist season.
I can't tell you how offended I am by all the cant that has been preached at the electorate during this election.
The cantor at our congregation was also a fine horsewoman and would take her horse out for a canter early in the morning.
Because it was raining when Kelvin went out to canvass his neighbors, he wore a canvas rain jacket so he could stay dry.
The police investigator seemed to be very capable when he brought the charges against the two men stating that they were both culpable for stealing the car.
2. Having the main offices of a government: The state's capital city is where the main government officials are located.
3. When referring to a crime, having death as a possible punishment: Homicide that occurs during the course of an attempted kidnapping is a capital crime in several states.
He needed more capital for the investment.
The governor could speak on the steps of the capitol.
Capital punishment is when those guys in the Capitol of Washington, D.C. come up with a new capital tax.
A carat is the unit of measurement by which many a woman estimates a man's love.
As a carrot to induce her to marry him, Neal dangled a ring which was of 24 karat gold mounted with a diamond of two carat.
Lydia was so thrilled when she wrote to her mother that she used all sorts of marks including the ^ (caret) to communicate her happiness: *!^@%%$
Debbie's career started to careen out of control when the boss discovered she had taken money from the cash register.
Julie's son always carries his books to school in a backpack.
2. Reporting information in the media: The TV station carries reports on the weather 24/7.3. Having something in a store and ready to be sold or to keep something in stock: Marcia's grocery store always carries a good selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bill's friend, Marge, always carries an extra toothbrush because she is afraid of getting caries if she doesn't brush her teeth after every meal.
During the holidays, the university library staff often gathered in an empty carrel to practice singing one carol after the other which they planned to sing at the faculty lunch.
2. A circular conveyor system: Vera saw her luggage on the carousel at the airport.
Because the sports team had to wait for a long time at the carousel in the airport, they started acting silly and the other passengers complained about their carousal.
2. A small modular unit designed to be inserted into a larger piece of equipment: The toner for the office printer came in a cartridge which made it easier to change.
3. A case containing reeled magnetic tape: The small tape recorder required a cartridge of tape in order to record Carlton's speech.
4. A case with photographic film that can be loaded directly into a camera: Homer's old-fashioned camera had a separate cartridge for the film, not a disk.
Dr. Tamara kept the video of her operation on the damaged cartilage of the man's knee in a cartridge in her office.
On the side of the cereal carton was a note encouraging customers to collect the cartoon cards which were inside each box.
The actor discovered that when he was wearing a casque, it was impossible to raise the small cask of cider to his lips for a drink without spilling it all over himself.
The old casket appeared to have a rubber gasket around the edge to prevent air from getting into or out of it.
