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.
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If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.
Every one of Jodie's six siblings was in school at the same time and everyone received a special certificate of good attendance.
Every thing that Colby discussed with the gardener confirmed Lacey's suspicions that he knew everything about growing flowers.
2. Things that are causes or sources of suffering, injuries, or destruction: The social evils of poverty and injustice still exist on a global scale.
As for evils, Vince is trying to eliminate the weevils in Elma's orchards.
The city official had to invoke support from the fire department in order to carry out the order to revoke the parade permit. In the end, he also had to evoke an order from the mayor to cancel the parade.
2. A measure of time for a celestial body to complete the orbit around its axis: The approximate revolution of the earth around the sun is 365 days.
The theory of evolution caused a revolution in the way people understood the laws of natural history.
It seemed to be a natural process that the authority in the board would evolve to a more democratic process; in fact, it was decided to devolve the power of the board completely in favor of a citizen committee.
2. To raise in rank, character, or status: Delmar's reputation for good works will exalt his character in the eyes of his neighbors.
The decision to exalt the memory of the former mayor for her contribution to the community caused many of the older citizens to exult about the power and influence of senior citizens.
If Sheema can excel in spelling and grammatical accuracy, she will exceed all expectations regarding her written essay.
The exceptional remark made by the politician was deemed exceptionable by the electoral committee.
2. To obtain information from someone who is reluctant to provide anything: Maxwell's aunt tried to acquire or extract information from the police for her new novel, but she wasn't successful.
The extract which Haley prepared for the newspaper contained an especially touching excerpt from a famous novel.
2. Regarding something that is open to everyone; not limited to certain people: Clarice joined the inclusive club because she wanted to meet all kinds of people from various cultures.
The policy regarding the exclusive use of certain words in the newspaper was changed to make the paper seem more inclusive and reflective of the general population of the city.
2. To carry out an official function or duty: Gavin will exercise his responsibilities as vice president to the best of his ability.
The novel was about a priest who tried to exorcise demons from a young man and his sister.
As an exercise of his authority as mayor, Sandford had to arrange for a shaman to come to his town to exorcise the evil spirits that were believed to haunt the community.
It was exhausting to complete the exhaustive study of the exhaustible resources of the region.
The president of the union tried to exhort his members to boycott the export of expensive products. It was believed that the politicians were trying to extort the union president for their own means.
2. To make greater in size: Denny used a special tool to expand, or widen, the width of the pipe.
2. To use time, energy, effort, etc. for a particular purpose or objective: Weldon must be willing to expend the time and resources required to complete this project.
Cathleen agreed to expend her personal resources in an effort to expand the prospects of her company.