Confusing Words Clarified: Group P; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(lists of "P" 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.
2. To have been confined in an enclosed area: In the morning, the sheep were released back into the field of grass by the shepherd after having been penned during the night for their protection.
2. To have given a girl a fraternity insignia as a token of affection: Tony pinned his girlfriend as a symbol of his love for her.
3. Having assigned responsibility for something: The police pinned the blame for the accident on the driver who was using his cell phone while driving.
4. To have fastened or joined together: The pattern for the dress was pinned to the fabric by the seamstress.
Once Stephen, a university student, had pinned his girl friend, his sister penned a poem expressing her delight.
The plural of person is usually people except in formal or legal contexts, where the plural is often persons.
The words people and persons both refer to a number of individuals and are used interchangeably in most contexts.
No safe rule exists for choosing between people and persons except possibly what is expressed in the definitions as shown above. Since both words are in the plural format, neither term can be used to refer to an individual.
Of all the people in the great hall, only five persons were selected to make speeches.
2. For each item, often with a financial context: The price per box of chocolates is higher in this store than in the store across the street.
2. To speak in a manner that suggests a murmur of contentment: The novel described Lenora's way of talking in that she will purr when she gets what she wants.
3. To say something in a gossipy manner: When Etta and Lottie get together, they purr as they chat about their friends and fellow workers.
As per what Andrews's veterinarian told him, his cat started to purr once she had taken some of the medicine that was prescribed.
Shelby is 99.9 percent sure that her version of the incident is accurate.
Camille was pleased with her percentage of the bet she made at the horse race in the afternoon.
2. Part of the whole of something presented in hundredths: Sally asked, "What is the percentage of winners in the lottery?"Trina wonders what the percentage is of people who achieve a 100 percent on their driver's test. Her mother was in the top 75th percentile of her age when she took her last driver’s test.
The bird flew down from its perch in the tree.
James decided to perch on his perch so he could see the school of perch when they swim up the river towards his favorite fishing spot.
There was a row of perches in the cloakroom upon which to hang people's coats.
2. Several small, white European fresh water fish; plural, perch or perches: The river was abundant with perches and so successful fishing was easier to achieve.The eagle perches on the edge of the cliff ready to fly away.
2. To move through the use of a mechanical device: The stone masons sought to purchase the rocks by using a lever to raise them.
2. The ownership of property, etc. by means other than by inheriting it: Willard acquired the ancestral lands by purchase instead of by legacy.
The pet shop had to purchase more perches for the additional birds that were coming.
2. Descriptive of something or someone that meets ideal expectations: Jeffrey was the perfect gentleman because he showed much respect and consideration towards others..
3. Concerning something which is an accurate reproduction: Shelby painted a perfect copy of the photograph of her grandmother.
2. A high ranking officer or magistrate: Eric wore the mantle of a prefect in the city council.
When Roger was appointed prefect of his class, he was determined to be the perfect prefect; just like in the film, Goodbye Mr. Chips.
Unless the criminal is caught, he or she will continue to perpetrate more crimes which tend to perpetuate more fear in the community.
The beloved leader was elected to serve a perpetual term in office.
2. Continuous, blooming through every season: The roses in the sheltered corner of the garden were in perpetual bloom.2. Payment of an annuity on an ongoing basis: The grandfather’s will stipulates that the annuity be paid to Stacie's aunt in perpetuity.
Josie planted a special rose bush which was described as perpetual; that is, blooming every season. This rose bush was a memorial in perpetuity to her friend's valor during the flood crisis.
2. To make something intricate or complicated; to confuse: Keith's explanation of the map only served to perplex Brittney further.
2. To resolve a question or situation with ingenuity: Lucinda was able to puzzle her way out of the challenging word quiz.
The riddle, presented as a puzzle, continued to perplex Melba because she could not figure out the answer.
As a result of Jerry's lack of experience, he thought that the car supplied by his employer was a requisite, in fact a perquisite; however, when he read the details of his contract again, he realized that owning a car was a prerequisite to getting the job. He says that he never was very good at spelling.
2. To treat someone cruelly or unfairly; especially, because of race or religious or political beliefs: The regime was known to constantly persecute those who fought against it during the uprising.
3. To harass in such a manner as to injure or to afflict: In the ancient city, the soldiers would often persecute people who were identified as foreigners.
2. To follow through with something until it is finished: The attorney general is determined to prosecute those who committed the fraud until justice is achieved.
Karin was determined to have the law officials prosecute her annoying neighbor who continues to persecute her with rude remarks and lewd comments.
2. The practice of harassing individuals in such a manner as to injure or to cause harm: Persecution of someone in jest, or even as a joke, may be unlawful and immoral.
2. The action of following through with a legal action until a final resolution has been accomplished: The prosecution of the case was expected to take at least two years before the judge would give a final judgment.
Jane, the witness for the prosecution, complained that she felt that she was in a state of persecution by the investigators who were trying to obtain her testimony.
2. Relating to one's body; private: Jenifer's mother taught her good personal hygiene.
3. Relating to an individual's conduct, often in a negative context: It felt like a personal insult when Ingrid left the party early without an explanation.
2. A department or part of an organization which is concerned with employees: The senior staff member from personnel is interviewing candidates for the new position that is available.
The representative from personnel at the agency to which he applied for a summer job asked for his personal information; including, telephone number, address, etc.
2. A way or manner of thinking about and understanding a situation or subject: The worried student took a long walk, after which his problems seemed to have taken on a new and more manageable perspective.
3. The process of being able to see or understand a situation in its true or relative importance: With the new perspective on the state of affairs, the committee was able to make sound recommendations.
4. A view which gives the impression of distance: The perspective from the hill was lovely but Stanley was glad the walk back to the village was short.
5. The appearance to the beholder of objects with respect to their relative positions and distance: By standing across the room, the artist was able to get a better perspective of the large painting she was working on.
2. Relating to the future: Alan wrote a long novel in the hope of getting a prospective bonus from the publisher.
2. A statement outlining the main features of a new work or business enterprise or an established institution: such as, a college, hotel, business, etc.: The prospectus from the bank suggested that high interest rates were a thing of the past and that loans would be more difficult to arrange.
The prospective new illustrator for the firm sent in a detailed portfolio. It was easy to evaluate Shawn's application because he had an excellent artistic perspective as shown in his drawings.
Once the firm hired Luis, he applied to the bank for a loan, submitting a well prepared prospectus detailing how the loan was to be used.
Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.
Confusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.
Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.
