Allusion and illusion
These words are often confused. An allusion is a reference or mention. This book on Indian history makes a brief allusion to the Mesopotamian Civilization. The teacher made an allusion to Indian mythology. An...
Category: Vocabulary
Alternative and choice
An alternative is essentially a choice, but it is a serious choice which must be made. By contrast, the word choice implies more freedom. You even have the freedom to make no choice at...
Amiable and amicable
These words are often confused. The word amiable is mainly used to describe persons. An amiable person is friendly, pleasant, attractive, cordial, polite and charming. The word amicable is mainly used to describe gestures...
Hurdle and hurtle
These words are often confused. A hurdle is an obstacle or barrier. The racer couldn’t clear the last hurdle. Hurdle can also be a verb. To hurdle is to jump over a hurdle. Compare:...
Immoral, amoral, immortal
These words sound somewhat similar but they have completely different meanings. Immoral means wicked. She was condemned for leading an immoral life. The court banned the immoral movie. Selling tobacco to young children is...
Idol, idle and idyll | Words confused
These words often cause confusion. Idle means ‘not active’. An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. When the factory closed many employees were left idle. Just because you are old doesn’t mean you have...
Formation of opposites by adding the prefixes un and dis
The prefixes dis- and un- can be added to words to form their opposites. Easy x uneasy Expected x unexpected Tidy x untidy Comfortable x uncomfortable Happy x unhappy Necessary x unnecessary Ripe x...
Vocabulary exercise
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate word. 1. Members must ………………… to a code of conduct. a) adhere b) acknowledge c) adapt 2. He …………………. a patronizing tone to win her trust. a)...
Accuse, acknowledge, acquaint,
Accuse (verb) To accuse is to charge or lodge a complaint against someone. She accused me of poisoning her dog. The public prosecutor accused the defendant of murder. You can’t accuse me of dishonesty....
Vocabulary exercise
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate form of the word given in the brackets. 1. The boy shows an …………….. of initiative. (absent) 2. I am ………………… sure these are the facts. (absolute)...