Confusing Words Clarified: Group M; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(lists of "M" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)
If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.
Mandy has many brothers and sisters.
There are many words that still need proper definitions, not just a few.
Mike didn't get much sleep last night because he watched TV until 2:00 in the morning!
Marian has too much work to do and has to stay at the office until she is finished!
Carol felt as if she had too much homework to do even though there were really not very many pages of math problems to complete.
2. A state of mind in which those involved are not prepared to deal with something because they aren't paying attention: When the financial problem appeared again, the government was not prepared to act on it; in other words, officials were taking a nap instead of being alert to the situation.
3. A soft layer of threads on the surface of a piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.: The fine nap of the wet cloth felt wonderful when Lenora wiped her face after waking up from her nap.
When Dennis took a nap, his head was resting on an ornamental pillow, but then, after he woke up, he could see the pattern of the nap of the pillow on his face in the mirror. It almost looked like a map to the land of nod.
The newly elected mayor, who came from the mare region of the country, rode a white mare to her installation ceremony.
2. An officer of the law, who is appointed or elected, with duties similar to a sheriff in terms of enforcing the law: The marshal accompanied the prisoner to court to stand before the judge.
3. The senior head of a civic function; such as, a fire department: The marshal, who was head of the town's police department, was appointed for two years and was rewarded for his good work.
The fire marshal had a long martial history before entering into a marital relationship which made him very happy.
2. A distinguishing impression or trait of something: When Albert completed his university education, he had the mark of a gentleman and a scholar.
3. A prominent or well-known object or guidepost for travelers: The tall building on the corner was the mark Lenora was looking for because she wanted to turn left at that point.
4. A label or indication of quality or price: The mark on this jacket indicated that it was on sale.
5. When capitalized, it is a man's name: Marissa's friend, Mark, is going to drive the car tonight when they go out.
2. To determine the value of something: The teacher decided to mark all the students' essays on the weekend.
Jason's friend, Mark, who was usually an easy mark for teasing, decided to check out the mark on the new laptop before buying it; however, he decided on a laptop which had a well-known marque.
At the summer fete, the marquis instructed that a large marquee should be constructed in the park for the luncheon after the festivities.
Trina's friend, Mary, always stated, "I shall make merry when I marry."
Marriage is said to be a climate where the husband usually reigns and the wife often storms.
Also, in some cases, marriage can begin with "I do" and end with "adieu".
Marvin built a house for the flock of martins that usually came each spring.
2. When capitalized, it can be used as a male’s first name or a family name: Debora's friend, Martin, is coming for a visit in two weeks.
Nell's nephew, Martin, enjoyed going for hikes in the mountains and once he reported that he saw a lively brown marten by the side of the trail.
Then, going across the valley, he said that he had also seen a martin swoop down to skim the river, catching bugs, and then, as he looked up, he claimed that a Martian ship was landing on the hill top.
2. The image or copy of a face made by a mold: That's the mask of the famous composer which was made after he died.
3. A covering for the face to protect it from harm: When Rosario went to see the factory, she was asked to wear a mask so she wouldn't breath in the fumes.
2. To reconfigure or to modify the size or shape of something: The photographer agreed to mask the photograph so it had a narrow border around it.
When Rosie and Chad went to the masque, they each wore a different mask to cover rhwie faces; then, as the photographer was developing the pictures from the masque, she was careful to mask the scenery behind them, emphasizing how well each mask really did mask their individual identities.
2. To change numbers, data, etc. in a dishonest way in order to deceive people: Some businesses are said to massage their sales results in order to make their profits appear to be greater than they really are.
2. Information that is communicated by writing, signals, etc.: Linda asked, "Dina, may I use your mobile phone to send a message to my mother that I will be late getting home."
In the middle of an important meeting, the chairman of the board received a message from the reception desk to advise him that it was time to go for his daily massage.
The tall mast ships massed in the harbor for the special historical anniversary.
The massage parlor advertised that the customers could have a male masseur or a female masseuse for their appointments.
2. Solid, ponderous, heavy: The pyramids were not built with small stone blocks, but with massive ones!
At an important juncture of the meeting, each participant received a massive missive which outlined in detail the long term plans of the corporation.
Norman's masterful strength of character enables him to impose his will on others.
The carpenter did a masterly job of repair work in Jenifer's house.
The head of the association had a masterful personality that easily established his masterly position to negotiate for better working conditions.
Aaron's mother wanted to match him up with her friend's daughter and it turned out to be a good match because they are going to get married.
When Frankie went out with a new guy, he seemed like a good match for her in terms of their common interests; however, she quickly lost interest in him when he asked her for a match to light his cigarette.
Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.
Confusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.
Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.