Monday, June 30, 2014

border, boarder

Border or border means the edge or part of a surface forming an outer boundary--
He wants the sign painted blue, with a red border.
I'm looking for some fabric with a floral border.

Border also means the dividing line between two countries or states--
You'll have to stop at the border, where they'll ask if you have anything to declare.
We'll have to show our passports at the border.

Boarder or boarder ( rhymes with border ) means a lodger or paying guest--
He was a boarder in an old house, and had his dinner there every night.
The old woman wanted to take in a boarder, to help make ends meet.

Boarder might also mean a person who gets on a ship, particularly an enemy ship in time of war--
The doughty sailor knocked  first one boarder overboard, and then another.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The boarder helped his landlord put up a wallpaper border in the dining room."

Note--"bored her", said of a female ( her ), means wearied or tired by dullness or repetition ( bored )--
She tried to pay attention, but the lecture bored her.
"Board her" would mean to get on a ship--
When he saw the strange ship, the captain determined to board her, and learn her identity.

Friday, June 27, 2014

concept, conception

Concept or concept means an idea; a thought or mental construct--
The concept is simple--we provide appealing content, and make money by selling ad space.
The students may need to act this out, to really understand the concept of one person, one vote.

Conception or conception means the beginning, invention, or origination of something, --
This product is the conception of a team of scientists. 
The conception of the United Nations began with the founding of the League of Nations. 

Conception also means the beginning or inception of pregnancy--
A human being is born about 40 weeks after conception.
She was sure of the date of conception, and the baby was born on its due date.

Conception may mean a mental notion, such as a plan or design, particularly while still an idea--
His conception of the new building is more modern, with a lot of glass.
This is an artists's conception of how the site will look when the building is finished.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"His conception of how to explain the concept of procreation included a drawing of the specifics of conception, as well as images of the stages of development."

Thursday, June 26, 2014

felt, felted, felled

Felt or felt is the past tense of "feel", meaning to perceive by touch or sensation, or to be emotionally affected--
He felt the bricks of the doorway, and found the door handle.
He felt the old sweater, his favorite.
He felt cold, so he put on a sweater.
He felt angry when his boss ignored his suggestions.


Felt ot felt also means a non-woven fabric, matted together under pressure, used to make decorations, slippers, coats, and hats--
Our grandfather always wore a felt hat.
She wore a coat made of heavy felt.

Felt also means to make something into a fabric similar to felt--
If you felt that old sweater, you can make it into a pair of slippers.

Felted or felted is the past tense of "felt", meaning to make something into a fabric similar to felt--
She felted some old wool sweaters, and used them to make mittens.
She shrank that in hot water and felted the surface, to make a warm hat.
Felted also describes something altered to give it a surface that looks similar to felt fabric--
This is made of some old wool that has been felted.

Fell or fell is the past tense of "fall", meaning to tumble or drop down--
The leaf fell from the tree.
He fell off the ladder.

Fell also means to cut down a tree, or to knock or take down something, as when shooting an animal--
He used his axe to fell a tree.
He used his gun to fell a deer.

Fell also means to turn over a seam and sew it flat, like the seam on blue jeans--
Those pants will be sturdier if you fell the seams.
She made plain seams, because she didn't know how to fell them.

Felled is the past tense of "fell", meaning to cut down a tree--
He felled the tree with his axe.
Felled is also the past tense of "fell", meaning to sew a seam flat--
She felled all of the seams, to make pants that would last a long time.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"She fell off the chair, and felt a pain in her knee, trying to reach a box of felt decorations."
"She felted the old sweater, and felled the seams of the new mittens she made."
"He felt sad when he felled the tree, and a bird's nest fell out of it."

Note--not to be confused with "felt it", meaning perceived something ( it ) by touch or sensation--
He knew it was his old sweater when he felt it.
OR--"felt it", meaning altering something ( it ) to make a surface similar to felt fabric--
You could make that sweater into a hat the way it is, or you could felt it first.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

leased, least

Leased or leased is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "lease", meaning to rent or let--
He doesn't want to buy a new car, so he leased one instead.
We leased the cabin to some people from the city.

Least or least ( rhymes with leased ) means the smallest in number, amount or quantity out of a given number or set--
This puppy barks the least, but he whines the most.
The least you could do is pick up after yourself!

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If you leased the property, you could still vacation there at least once a year."

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

a symetrical, asymetrical

A symetrical or a symetrical  ( two words ) describes one ( a ) design or arrangement that has an even number of elements, identical on both sides of a line in the center--
I think a symetrical design looks better, but he thinks it's boring.
The human body is an example of a symetrical design.

Asymetrical or asymetrical ( one word ) describes something that is not arranged with the same elements on each side--
An asymetrical design looks modern to most people.
It's an asymetrical design, with different shapes scattered over the surface.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Would you like the plants arranged in a symetrical design, or in an asymetrical design?"

Monday, June 23, 2014

rough, ruff

Rough or rough describes a coarse texture; an uneven surface; something crude or unpolished, or not smooth, literally or figuratively--
This shirt is as rough as sandpaper; it's uncomfortable.
Now sand all of the rough edges; then we'll paint it.
He had a rough way of speaking, but no one ever took offense.

Ruff or ruff ( rhymes with rough ) means a neckpiece worn in Elizabethan England, with pleats or folds making a stiff circle around the neck--
He used an air cleaner from an auto parts store to make a ruff for his costume.
He dressed like an Elizabethan courtier, in a ruff and leg hose.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He wore a velvet jacket and a lace ruff, but his manner was rough and his speech was plain."

Friday, June 20, 2014

minion, minyan

Minion or minion, most commonly used in a disparaging way, means a subordinate official; someone who does the bidding of a person in power--
We don't want to deal with a minion; let us talk to your boss.
She's sure the little brat is a minion of Satan.

Minyan or minyan is a Hebrew word, commonly found in print in English, meaning a set of 10 male Jews over the age of 13, the required minimum needed to conduct a religious service--
We need one more to make a minyan for the funeral; will you come?
Sorry, the rabbi said that a woman can't be counted for a minyan; we need another man.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We need ten men for a minyan, even a minion or a hired hand will do."

Note -- Not to be confused with "mignon", a French word meaning little --
I'll have the filet mignon, medium rare.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

adore, a door

Adore or adore means to dote on, to be fond of; to love or to worship--
"I just adore a penthouse view..."
"Oh, come, let us adore him..."

A door or a door means one ( a ) door--a panel that opens and closes, used to enter or exit a room, a building, or a vehicle--
I'm going to try the salvage yard, to see if they have a door for my car.
We want to install a door in the side of the garage near the house.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If you adore the dog, why don't you want a door put in for him?"

Note--"adores" is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "adore", meaning to love or worship--
He adores that dog; he'd never give him up.
Note # 2--"a door's" might describe something that belongs to a door, meaning a panel that opens and closes--
He used a door's  panels to make the shutters.
"A door's" might also be a contraction of "a door is"--
A door's opening--look out!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

extent, extant

Extent or extent means the space, measure, length, area, or volume of something, literally or figuratively; how far something goes--
He walked the extent of his land, looking for anything that might need repair or attention.
That's right to a certain extent, but it won't work in this situation.

Extant or extant means still in existence; most commonly used to describe a printed or written work not destroyed or lost--
There are only three copies of this work extant, and they are all in museums.
He mentions the play in his letters, but there is no copy extant.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"To the extent of our knowledge, there is only one copy extant."

Note--"extend" means to continue; to stretch or draw out, in space or time, literally or figuratively--
Does the path extend the length of the beach?
Can we extend the time limit on this project?
"Extends" is the third person songular ( he, she, it ) form of "extend"--
What should I do if he extends his hand? We haven't spoken in years.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

pastime, past time, passed time

Pastime or pastime ( one word ) means an amusement, sport, hobby, or recreation--something done in one's leisure time--
Baseball is often called America's favorite pastime.
His usual pastime is working in the garden, but he's watching the game on TV today.

Past time or past time ( two words ) means beyond the limits of ( past ) a set hour ( time )--
It's past time for him to be home--he's usually here by six.
It's nine--past time for school to start.

Passed time or passed time means spent or lived through ( passed ) a certain number of minutes, hours, or days ( time )--
While they waited, they passed time talking about their homes.
They passed time playing cards, to keep from being bored.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He passed time working on his favorite pastime until it was past time for bed."

Note--"times past" means in a long-ago time, perhaps remembered by an old person, perhaps the historical past--
In times past we walked to school for miles, uphill both ways.
"Past times" means the historical past; long ago--
In past times  they only had candles to see by at night.
Note # 2--"time's passed" means a certain number of hours, minutes, or days has ( "time's" meaning time has ) gone by or elapsed ( passed )--
Has it been twenty years? The time's passed so quickly!
"Time's past" means a specific amount of time, or time set aside for a purpose, is ( "time's" would be short for time is, or time has ) used up or gone by--
Hand in your papers now, the time's past.
Note # 3--"pastimes" is the plural ( more than one ) of "pastime", meaning a hobby or recreational activity--
Football and baseball are two of America's favorite pastimes.


Monday, June 16, 2014

thrash, thresh

Thrash or thrash means to beat severely, literally or figuratively, as in an athletic competition--
Dad says he's going to thrash us when we get home.
The team hopes to thrash its rival on Saturday.
Thrash also means to toss and turn about wildly, as if making beating motions--
If he starts to thrash about again, call the doctor.

Thresh or thresh means separating grain or seeds from stalks by beating or flailing--
After the harvest we will thresh the grain.
We use a machine to thresh the grain--it only takes a day or two now.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Our boss threatened to thrash us if we don't thresh all of this grain by the end of the day."

Note--not to be confused with "trash", which may mean refuse or garbage--
Take out the trash on your way out.
Trash may also mean, informally, to make an awful mess and break things--
That gang of juvenile delinquents sure did trash this place.
Trash may also mean, informally, to spread gossip or rumors about a particular person--
All he ever does is trash his co-workers; no one wants to listen to him.

Friday, June 13, 2014

aside, a side

Aside or aside ( one word ) means to one side; in reserve--
He put some money aside for a rainy day.
Set that aside for later.
Put your worries aside and let's enjoy the party.
Aside also means in a direction away from a particular point--
He stepped aside to let the man in the wheelchair pass by.
He walked in the direction of the house, but turned aside at the fence.
Aside may mean away from a group of people, or out of earshot--
He drew him aside to talk about the business deal they were planning.
Aside also means words spoken to an audience as though whispered, with others onstage unable to hear them--
As the scene ends, the hero steps to the front and explains his plans in an aside.
Aside also means a digression; a departure from the main theme--
Don't print what he said as an aside; just use the main quote.

A side or a side ( two words ) means one of the surfaces of a thing--
Each soldier should take up a position on a side of the house, four soldiers in all.
A side also means one out of a set of competing groups or teams--
We can play the game with four men on a side.
He refused to choose a side, and wouldn't sign either petition.
A side may also mean, informally, a dish to accompany the main part of a meal, or a condiment--
I'd like a burger and a side of fries.
I'd like a side of guacamole with that.
A side may mean a large cut of meat--
I'm so hungry I could eat a side of beef.
A side may describe something situated to the right or left, instead of the back or front--
The skirt has a side zipper with a hook and eye at the top.
The building has a side entrance, on the left.
We can serve it as a side dish.
A side may describe something that is an addition to a primary or main thing--
He has a side job, doing freelance work at night.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He drew the his friend aside, and they left by a side entrance."

Thursday, June 12, 2014

founder, flounder

Founder or founder, said of a ship, means to fill with water and sink--
The sailors abandoned the ship when it began to founder.
The ship may founder if we stop pumping; keep at it!
Founder or founder also means one of the persons who first established or founded an organization--
We have asked the founder of the firm to retire, and let the board run the business.
The founder of the library will make a speech at the next meeting.
Founder may be used to describe a sinking building--
A building this size may founder more than a foot without any serious damage.
Founder is also used to describe a horse, or some other animal, that can't get up because of an injury or illness--
The horse is favoring one leg; if we don't give him a rest he may founder.

Flounder or flounder means to struggle clumsily or in confusion--
I can't stand here and watch him flounder about, like a turtle on its back.
When he began to flounder in panic, the lifeguard jumped in and hauled him out.
Flounder may also mean the popular edible fish--
Let's have fried flounder for dinner.
There's a sale on flounder at the fish market.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The ship seemed about to founder, when a sailor got caught in the rigging and began to flounder."

Note--not to be confused with "found her", meaning came upon by searching or by chance ( found ) someone female ( her)--
I looked for Mom for an hour before I found her.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

accost, a cost

Accost or accost ( one word ) means to approach or confront, physically--
The last stranger he tried to accost for money turned out to be a detective.
Any man who would accost a woman on the sidewalk might actually be dangerous.

A cost or a cost ( two words ) means one, each, or per ( a ) purchase price; or the sum required to accomplish something, literally or figuratively ( cost )--
We can get the parts for you, at a cost of $1.99 per dozen.
The battle was won at a cost of thousands of lives.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The con artist's method was to accost people in parking lots, with an offer to fix their cars at a cost of only a few hundred dollars."

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

regal, regale

Regal or regal ( ree guhl ) describes something belonging to, connected to, or worthy of, a king or queen; royal--
He showed his assent with a regal nod of his head.
His clothing was shabby, but his bearing was regal.

Regale or regale ( reh gal ) means to entertain ( someone ) lavishly, with the choicest or finest of everything--
He plans to regale them with caviar and champagne before he explains the deal.
Regale may be used figuratively, often sarcastically, meaning to tell an entertaining story--
He's not going to regale our guests with the story of his trip again, is he?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"They are planning to regale the board of directors with a truly regal banquet."

Note --"regale" ( reh gal ee ) means the emblem or insignia of a king or royalty--
The king's regale bears a lion rampant.
The plural of "regale", meaning an emblem or insignia, is "regalia"--
The professors attended, wearing their academic regalia.
Note # 2--"regal" also means a portable reed organ from the 1500's or 1600's--
The museum has an old regal that still plays.

Monday, June 9, 2014

parlay, parley

Parlay or parlay means to bet again when you win, wagering the original bet and the winnings--
If he wins he will parlay it on the favorite in the next race.
He won the bet and the parlay; now he has a heap of money.
Parlay may also mean to increase a sum of money by some form of wagering or deal-making--
He hopes to parlay his stake into a few thousand dollars.

Parley or parley means a discussion or conference between spokesmen for two opposing sides or camps, as during a war--
They are waving a white flag; maybe they want to arrange a parley.
They want to know if we'll agree to a parley.
Parley may also mean to hold a discussion or conference with an enemy; or to discuss or confer with an enemy as to terms--
The captain wants to parley with the enemy; but the major says no.
The cease-fire will begin at noon; then we'll parley.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He hopes to arrange a parley with the loan shark, if he can parlay his winnings into a respectable sum."

Friday, June 6, 2014

gaze, gays

Gaze or gaze means to look at steadily and intently--
He will sit and gaze out the window for hours, if no one interrupts him.
He likes to sit on the deck and gaze at the water.
Gaze also means a steady or intent look--
He was embarassed, and showed it by averting his gaze.
His gaze made her uncomfortable.

Gays or gays ( rhymes with gaze ) is the plural ( more than one ) of "gay", meaning a homosexual--
He is involved in an organization that promotes equal rights for gays.
He made a speech to the effect that marriage for gays should be legalized.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He met her gaze with a frank look, when she asked about gays in the military."

Note--the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "gaze", meaning to look at steadily and intently, is "gazes"--
When he gazes at her, she doesn't seem to notice.
Note # 2--the plural of "gaze", meaning a steady or intent look, is "gazes"--
His frequent gazes betrayed his ardent feelings.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

surplus, surplice

Surplus or surplus means an excess amount; something leftover, unused or not needed--
We will donate any surplus canned goods to the food bank.
If we have a surplus this year, taxes may be lowered.

Surplice or surplice means a type of garment, like a smock, worn by a priest, minister, or choir member--
The minister wore a black cassock and white surplice.
Each choir member wore a surplice of a different color, like a rainbow.
Surplice may also mean a woman's top or dress, with the two sides made to cross one another--
I want a pattern for a surplice top.
The new dress has a surplice top and a full skirt.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If there is a surplus when the donations are counted, let's set some aside to buy a new surplice for the pastor."

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

colossal, callosal

Colossal or colossal means gigantic; enormous--
It took decades to build such a colossal edifice.
The small mistake became colossal when it went viral on the internet.

Callosal or callosal describes something related to the membrane that separates two halves of a part of the brain ( the corpus callosum, that separates the halves of the cerebrum ) --
He has some callosal damage; the doctors aren't sure he'll regain his normal capacities.
The experiment is meant to see if information can pass through the callosal membrane.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He has a tumor in the callosal region that seems colossal, but we think we can remove it."

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

actor, act or

Actor or actor ( one word ) means someone who plays a part; someone who performs in a show, movie, film, or play--
He wants to be an actor, and plans to move to Hollywood.
He saw a famous actor, and asked for his autograph.
Actor may also mean someone who does something; a participant--
Each actor will have to follow the official rules.

Act or or act or ( two words ) means to perform or do ( act ), as one of two alternatives ( or ) --
Is he going to act or just stand there?
Does he act or does he sing?
Act or ( two words ) may also mean a performance or part of a performance, or a deed or action ( act ), as one of two alternatives ( or ) --
Is this an act or is he sincere?
Should we finish the act or quit now?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He rarely finds work as an actor, so it's act or wait tables."

Note--the plural ( more than one ) of "actor" is "actors"--
The actors are in costume, ready for the show.
Note # 2--the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "act", meaning to perform, is "acts"--
Is it the way he acts or the way he talks that annoys you?
Note # 3--the plural ( more than one ) of "act", meaning a performance, is "acts"--
Are these acts or are these people for real?

Monday, June 2, 2014

toque, toke

Toque or toque means a small hat with no brim--
She wore a black velvet toque studded with rhinestones.
Canadians may wear a toque in the cold weather.
Toque also means the white hat worn by a chef--
The chef kept a picture of himself, taken the first time he ever put on his toque.
He wants to wear checked pants and a toque.

Toke or toke ( rhymes with toque ) means a drag or puff on a joint or marijuana cigarette--
"Sittin' downtown in a railway station, one toke over the line..."
He felt funny after one toke, and wondered what they were smoking.
Toke also means a tip or bribe given to a casino employee by a gambler--
You'll get a seat at the table if you toke the dealer a fifty.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"When they saw his toque with the marijuana leaf on it, they offered him a toke, and he arrested them."