Confusing Words Clarified: Group L; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, Polysemes, etc. +
(lists of "L" 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. A condition of agitation or distress; a nervous excitement: Trisha was all in a lather about the way the furniture was delivered.
The old fashioned barber worked up the lather on the face of his customer and sharpened the straight edged razor on the leather strap.
The minister raised the plate that was made of latten and recited a prayer in Latin.
2. In geography, an imaginary line that is drawn around the earth parallel to the equator and forming uniform distances from each other: The line of latitude on the map went right through Abigail's town which was indicated on the map.
Marissa's geography teacher always told her students, "Remember, longitude is like L-O-N-G lines stretching from pole to pole; lines of latitude choose to wind around the earth."
According to legend, the crowd of farmers sang songs to laud the lord of the manor when lower taxes were announced.
The laudable result of the students at the Junior Science Fair was reflected in the laudatory comments which the school principal made.
2. To put down or to set in an order: Rebekah will lay the table for six people for dinner.
I will lay my books on the desk.
3. To place a burden or punishment on someone: The Sheriff will lay charges of theft against the three men.
When Aimee visited the cemetery, she decided to lay the lei of flowers on the grave of her grandparents.
2. To place, to set, or to position in a particular location: Please lay all the maps on the table so Tracie can look at them.
3. To impose a duty or a penalty: The government may lay a heavy tax on the importing of machinery.
The child said, "I cannot tell a lie, I did not lay the box carefully on the shelf and that is why it fell off."
2. To draw out or to remove as if by percolation or seepage; to dissolve, to remove, or to wash out: Francisca poured water through the ashes from the fireplace to leach the lye in the ash so she could make soap.
2. Someone who uses other people for personal gain or anyone who tries to get what he or she can swindle from others: Celebrities often have at least one leech who tries to leech them for money or other material rewards.
One species of the this blood-sucking worm has been used in medical treatments for many years to leech patients or to eat away putrid flesh from a wound.
When using a leech on the patient, the doctor was heard to comment that he wished it were as easy to leach toxins from the soil as it is to leech toxins from an ill person using a leech or two.
Is it proper to say that a leech can leach blood from an animal?
As a matter of fact, a leech is known to leech blood and dead flesh from bodies while leaching is quite a different process.
In chemical engineering, to leach is the procedure used for separating a soluble substance from a solid by washing or by the percolation of water or other liquid through the substance, as when making coffee.
In geochemistry, to leach is specifically the natural or artificial removal of soluble substances from rock, ore, or layers of soil by the action of percolating substances; such as, water.
A medicinal leech, known as Hirudo medicinalis was utilized in the distant past and is being used again in the modern application of leech blood from patients for specialized procedures.
There is also a tool being used by medical doctors called an artificial leech which consists of a cup and suction pump, or syringe, for drawing blood.
For much more information about leeches and leeching, go to this Medicine, Leeching for Health page.
2. To take action towards a goal: The contract negotiations with the union should lead to a settlement of grievances.
2. A length of rope or cord measured from end to end: The lead for the pony was short so the groom could guide it in a circle.
Karin's heart felt like lead when she heard the news of the accident that her friend was in.
2. To have completed action towards a goal: The path up the mountain led to the summit from which we had a glorious view.
In the past, Craig led in this kind of race but now, if he wants to lead, he will have to quit dragging his feet as if they were made of lead.
2. To let a substance or light pass through an opening: Josie is afraid the roof will leak during the thunderstorm.
The chef was upset because someone tried to leak her famous recipe for leek soup to a national cooking magazine.
2. Descriptive of a person or something that has little or no fat: Trisha will buy a lean roast of beef for dinner.
2. To be inclined towards an opinion or desire: Mike's tendency is to lean towards chocolate pie for dessert.
In these lean financial times it is not unusual for a bank to hold a lien on a person's property.
Good education is always a balance between those who know how to teach well and those whose goal is to learn everything they can.
Compared to the other puppies, "Spot" was the least of the litter.
The farmer had leased the large fallow field to his neighbor whose field was flooded; the farmer stated it was the least that he could do to support his friend.
2. Used as an expression suggesting fear or worry: Martin was worried lest he lose his job because he was late two days in a row.
At the least suggestion of production cutbacks, the man started to worry lest he lose his position as manager.
2. To continue living after one's death: Dale will leave a young son and daughter when he dies.
3. To remain as an after-effect: Spilling red berries on a white shirt will leave a stain that is difficult to remove.
2. To provide an opportunity: The teacher's error in calculating the test scores of the class let William and the others get higher grades on the test than they had expected.
Climbing the tower let the tourists have a spectacular view of the city.
3. To allow passage: The teacher, Mrs. Williams said, "Will you let Jimmy into the room, please."The butler said, "With your leave, sir, I will let the tourists into the building for an informal tour before you leave on your holidays."
Confusing Words: Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs; explained and demonstrated.
Confusing Words: Units, Groups A to Z.
Confusing Words: Vocabulary Quizzes Listed.
