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.
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.
The wide expanse of the building was achieved at great expense to the owners.
In an expansive moment, Bruce decided to buy the expensive piece of property down by the river.
The advice columnist in the local newspaper provided an explicative explanation why the use of an expletive in polite conversation is not appropriate.
2. Concerning something without reservation or doubt; unquestioning, absolute: The children responded with implicit cooperation during the fire drill.
The explicit directions in the package left nothing implicit; so, there was no difficulty in putting the toy together.
During the construction of the train tunnel, dynamite was used to create an explosion, loosening the rock.
Silas could hear a loud explosion caused by the detonation of the dynamite which was used to bring about the implosion of the damaged building.
2. To cause someone to experience something or to be influenced or affected by something: The teacher wanted to expose his students to the great works of literature.
3. To reveal something that is hidden, dishonest, or criminal: The reporters were about to expose Anthony as a fraud.
2. A book, newspaper report, magazine article, etc. making sensational disclosures: The newspaper column had an exposé about the senator's illegal bribes.
The recent exposé in the newspaper upset the councillors because it served to expose the underhanded manipulations going on in the small committees.
It seemed silly to try to expostulate with the small children just because Merlin had decided to postulate that they had stolen apples from his tree.
The extent of the grazing lands for the extant herd of bison covered both the flat prairie and the riverbed.
2. Prepared in advance but delivered without notes or text: The newswoman presented an extemporaneous report about her recent experiences in China.
2. Spoken, performed, done, or composed with little or no chance of preparation: The teacher gave an impromptu lecture about honor and responsibility.
Donald decided to have an impromptu picnic down by the river. While he and his friends were enjoying themselves, his friend got up and delivered an extemporaneous speech about their friendships.
The reporter was able to speed up the process of completing her report by eliminating much of the extraneous comments made by some of the people.
Someone once said that creativity is intrinsic to human existence.
After getting rid of all the extraneous paragraphs in the new novel, the editor felt that only the key intrinsic descriptions remained; all of which were strengthening elements in the story line.
I’d have eyed the menu more carefully had I realized that there would not be time for a meal this evening.
2. A small optical organ for seeing: The very young kitten’s eyes were so small that each one could be described as an eyelet.
Jayne often wore a dress on which each eyelet was rimmed with white fabric when she spent the summer on the islet in Greece.
