Friday, October 30, 2015

raving, raven

Raving or raving is a participle ( used with a helper verb ) of "rave", meaning to talk wildly, as if mad or delirious--
He is raving; don't pay any attention to him.
The man raving at the sign on the corner may need some help.

Raving may also mean talking or writing with great enthusiasm--
They are raving about the new movie, but I didn't like it.

Raving is also an old-fashioned slang term meaning extraordinary or remarkable--
She was a raving beauty back in the day.

Raven or raven means the black bird that is similar to a crow--
"In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore."
Is that crow or a raven?

Raven ( sometimes spelled ravin ) also means to seek plunder or prey, literally or figuratively, or to eat voraciously, like an animal--
They were so hungry they were tempted to raven through the forest for something to eat.
Sit up and eat nicely; don't raven like a wild beast!

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He is raving about literature, and quoting an old poem about a raven."

Thursday, October 29, 2015

rogue, rouge

Rogue or rogue means a scoundrel, mischief-maker, or dishonest person--
He was always a rogue, and quite a devil with the ladies.
The squire's men will catch the cunning rogue.

Rouge or rouge means a red or pink cosmetic for the cheeks--
What we call blush was once called rouge.
Women sometimes still use real fruit juice as rouge.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Even the rogue didn't know if the blush on her cheek was real, or rouge."

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

apathetic, apatetic

Apathetic or apathetic means not interested; unconcerned or indifferent--
Students should be intereseted in politics, not apathetic.
She gets excited about sports; he is apathetic.

Apatetic or apatetic means having or taking a form that makes camouflage or deception--
The insect's apatetic coloration helps him to elude potential enemies.
The caterpillars are apatetic; people don't usually notice them.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He was fascinated by the exhibit of apatetic coloring in insects; she was apathetic."

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

judgment, judge meant

Judgment or judgment  ( one word ) means the decision or verdict in a court case--
"It is the judgment of this court..."
No judgement is possible unless the witness will cooperate.

Judgment also means the ability to form an opinion or make a decision wisely--
He is a man of sound judgment; he won't do anything rash.
You showed good judgment; the customer gave a good recommendation.

Judge meant or judge meant ( two words, rhymes with judgment ) means what the court official ( judge ) intended ( meant )--
I wonder what the judge meant by that remark?
Do you think the judge meant to be so rude?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"I'm sure the judge meant this judgment to be fair to both parties."

Monday, October 26, 2015

therapist, the rapist

Therapist or therapist ( one word ) means a person trained to help people overcome psychological or physical problems--
He sees a therapist every week; he has a lot of emotional issues.
She has been seeing a physical therapist ever since the accident.

The rapist or the rapist ( two words ) means a certain ( the ) sex offender ( rapist )--
A woman was assaulted last night; the police are looking for the rapist.
In this episode, the rapist turns out to be a detective who was fired from his job.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"A therapist may help her get over her anxiety about the rapist."

Friday, October 23, 2015

mayhem, may hem

Mayhem or mayhem ( one word ), in law, means inflicting harm on someone attempting to defend himself or herself, or inflicting harm in order to render someone defenseless--
He was charged with mayhem and aggravated assault.
She is serving a sentence for mayhem and armed robbery.

Mayhem is sometimes used in a general sense, to means violent disorder or chaos--
When the teacher told them school would end early, mayhem ensued.
The cafeteria erupted into mayhem, but it was short-lived.

May hem or may hem ( two words ) means might or possibly ( may ) shorten or lengthen, or fold down and sew the edge of, a skirt, pants, curtains, or some other item (hem )--
I may hem these curtains; I think they're too long.
She said she may hem the dress tomorrow, so you'll have it for the wedding.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"I may hem this shirt and sew on the buttons, if the mayhem ever ends."

Thursday, October 22, 2015

rancor, rank or

Rancor or rancor ( one word ) means bitterness or resentment; malice--
He answered politely, but his rancor was evident.
That kind of response will only engender rancor.

Rank or or rank or ( two words ) means official position or standing ( rank ) offered as an alternative ( or )--
Does this have something to do with his rank or position?
Did you notice his rank or unit?

Rank or may also mean a row or column ( rank ) offered as an alternative ( or )--
Do you want these people lined up in a rank or left seated until called?
He can't remember his rank or file; where does he belong?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Don't refer to your rank or status; you'll only inspire rancor."

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

cause, caws

Cause or cause means the thing or person that produces an effect--
The label says this may cause drowsiness.
He imagines that philosophy has done away with cause and effect.

Cause may also mean an ideal or goal--
We'd like to donate these funds to a worthy cause.
 He spends his spare time working for the cause, which is what he calls environmental clean-up.

Cause may also mean the grounds for a legal action, or for some other human behavior requiring official justification of some kind--
This could be a cause for a lawsuit.
He was dismissed for cause, but he won't say what it was.

Caws or caws ( rhymes with cause ) is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "caw", meaning, said of a crow, to cry or squawk loudly, or said of something or someone else, to make a noise like a crow--
A crow sits on the fence and caws every afternoon.
When our cat is hungry he caws like a crow.

Caws may also be the plural ( more than one ) of "caw", meaning the call or cry of a crow--
I hear the caws of a crow, but I don't see it.
His bark sounds like a crow's caws.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"When the crow caws, there must be a cause, but we don't know what it is."

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

insufficient, in sufficient

Insufficient or insufficient ( one word ) means not enough; lacking what is needed or required--
The case was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
The check came back marked "insufficient funds".
This answer is insufficent; you need to show your work.

In sufficient or in sufficient ( two words ) means [in] enough or adequate quantity or number--
The customer wants to know if we can produce these widgets in sufficient quantity.
If the marchers turn out in sufficient numbers, the press will be sure to take notice.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Our funds are insufficient to cover expenses, unless we get donations in sufficient quantity to make up the difference."

Monday, October 19, 2015

definite, definitive

Definite or definite means exact or precise; clearly defined--
We have no definite plans; we're just going to visit anyplace that seems interesting. 
Be sure to get definite directions, so we won't get lost.

Definite may also mean certain or sure--
We have no definite plans; we may stay home, or we may go out.
He won't give a definite answer; he just puts us off with vague comments.

Definitive or definitive, of a text or work of art, describes the most precise or exact version--
This is the definitive edition; it is an unedited transcription of the original manuscript.
Most people agree that the director's cut is the definitve version.

Definitive may also describe a statement that provides a specific or authoritative solution or answer to a dilemma--
Can we issue a definitve statement, one that will settle the controversy?
The manager has issued definitive instructions, so we'll all be doing it the same way.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If you can't get him to make a definitve statement, try for a definite answer to a "yes or no" question."

Friday, October 16, 2015

singularly, singularity

Singularly or singularly means uniquely or exceptionally--
He seemed singularly indifferent to the shocking news; that's suspicious.
Our chief suspect is singularly proficient at anything devious.

Singularly, as a grammar term, decribes using a word that corresponds to one person, place, or thing, instead of more than one--
Can you conjugate the verb both plurally and singularly?
Plurally, it's "they run"; singularly, it's "he runs".

Singularity or singularity means a unique or unusual quality, or the fact of being exceptional or unique--
He has the singularity of being able to hear a pin drop.
This place has a singularity; the locals claim that water flows uphill.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"His use of language has a singularity; all verb forms are the same, plurally and singularly."

Note--"singly" means one at a time or separately--
Now march out singly, one after another.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

in step, instep

In step or in step ( two words ) means keeping time to the beat or music, or keeping pace while marching in a group--
They have been drilling all week, so they'll be able to stay in step during the parade.
He's a fairly good dancer, always in step with the music, at least.

Instep or instep ( one word, rhymes with in step ) means the arched top part of the foot between the toe and the ankle, or the corresponding part of a shoe--
A board landed on his instep; they took him to the hospital.
She's looking for a pump with a leather instep.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The ache in his instep made it difficult to keep in step with the band."


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

venal, venial

Venal or venal describes a corrupt official or authority, one willing to accept bribes for favors--
We won't see any real reform until this venal administration is voted out of office.
The matter came before a venal judge, who decided in the company's favor.

Venal may also describe a thing unlawfully bartered or sold, such as a contract or court decision--
It was a venal contract; they bribed a city official to get it.
The jury was suspected of accepting bribes in return for a venal acquittal.

Venial or venial describes a  trivial or pardonable sin; a minor transgression--
It was a venial error, and easily overlooked.
The offense was venial; the penance will be light.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"In City Hall, a venal agreement is considered a venial sin."

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

infinity, affinity

Infinity or infinity means a span of space or time that is limitless, without a beginning or end--
Many people believe that space and infinity are the same thing.
The mathematical symbol for infinity looks like a sideways "8".

Infinity may also mean a boundless quantity or endless supply--
The number of grains of sand on the beach approaches infinity; it would not be possible to actually count them.

Affinity or affinity means a natural attraction or special liking for something or someone--
He's always had an affinity for the great outdoors; he feels at home in it.
He has an affinity for anyone who admires his garden.

Affinity may also mean a likeness or agreement between two things--
They have an affinity for one another, like ketchup and fries.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"They share an affinity for endless discussions of space and infinity."

Monday, October 12, 2015

America, amurca

America ( a proper name, always capitalized ) is most commonly used to mean the United States of America--
Today we remember Columbus, and the European discovery of America.
His grandparents came to America in 1890, and began to prosper after several years.

America may also mean the continent of North America, or the continent of South America, or both--
Canada, Mexico and the United States make up most of America.
He left Italy to go to Argentina, in America.

Amurca or amurca ( almost rhymes with America ) means the lees or sediment of olive oil--
The amurca is sold to a food processor; it is used in canned food.
The Romans fed amurca to their cattle.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We grow olives right here in America, and we use the amurca as a pesticide."

Note--"Amurica" ( always capitalized, sometimes spelled 'murica or Amurika) was coined as part of a spoof or satire of ignorant, but supposedly patriotic, people--
"We get to have all the guns because this is Amurica."

Friday, October 9, 2015

misses, Mrs., Misses

Misses or misses is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) of "miss", meaning to pine for someone or something not present--
Our cat seems aloof, but he misses us when we're away.
He misses his old job, now that he's left it.

Misses or misses is also the third person singular of "miss", meaning to fail to hit what one aims at--
He misses nearly every time; I don't know why he keeps trying.
If he misses, it's your turn.

Misses or misses may also be the plural ( more than one ) of "miss", meaning a failure to hit a mark or target--
That's three hits and two misses. 
In baseball, misses are called strikes.

Mrs. ( always capitalized, rhymes with misses ) is the title or honorific used in front of a married woman's name--
How are you today, Mrs. Jones?
Jane Jones married Sam Smith, and now she's Mrs. Jane Smith.

Misses ( always capitalized ) is an old-fashioned way to address, as on an envelope, two or more sisters, or related unmarried women, or to refer to two sisters--
The invitation was addressed to the Misses Smith.
That looks like the Misses Jones coming down the road.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He misses his old teacher, Mrs. Green."

Thursday, October 8, 2015

mill, mil

Mill or mill means a machine or device, large or small, for grinding grain or some other substance, or for producing fabric, paper, steel, lumber, or some other types of goods--
There is an old water-powered grist mill nearby that you might like to visit.
The lumber mill doesn't hire teenagers; it's too dangerous.

Mil or mil ( rhymes with mill ) means one tenth of a cent, or one thousandth of a dollar, usually for property tax purposes--
We are considering a property tax increase of one mil per dollar of assessed value.

Mil also means one thousandth of an inch--
He needs one mil wire for this job.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The only offer we had for the old mill was at one mil to the dollar."

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

ample, amble

Ample or ample means enough or more than enough, in size, extent, or quantity--
We ran out of these parts last month; make sure we have an ample supply.
You will have ample time to finish the exam.

Amble or amble means to walk or stroll in a leisurely way--
If you amble along like that it will take all day to get home.
He's trying to teach the horse to amble on command.

Amble may also be a noun ( thing or idea ), meaning a leisurely walk or stroll--
The old man still enjoys an amble in the garden.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"There will be ample time to amble about the grounds after we have seen the exhibit."

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

impressment, empressement

Impressment or impressment means drafting or forcing people into the military or some other government or public service--
One of the causes of the War of 1812 was impressment of Americans by the British navy.
Impressment was carried out by a press gang, that sometimes just kidnapped people.

Empressement or empressement means a display of friendliness or enthusiasm--
She greeted them with empressement, hoping they would feel welcome.
He could hear the sounds of empressement, and was sure that the news was good.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He was greeted with empressement; he brought news of the end of the war, and the end of impressment."

Monday, October 5, 2015

acorn, a corn

Acorn or acorn ( one word ) means the little nut that falls from oak trees--
An acorn hit him on the head as he was walking under the oak tree.
A squirrel is burying an acorn in the garden.

Acorn may also mean a kind of squash--
She made acorn squash soup; it's better than it sounds.

A corn or a corn ( two words ) describes something made of maize ( corn )--
They are building a corn maize for the party.
Our dog ran into a corn field, and we can't find him.

A corn may also mean a sore, usually on the foot; a type of callus--
He went to the podiatrist because he has a corn on his foot.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"They served each guest a corn casserole topped with an acorn."

Friday, October 2, 2015

socialist, socialite

Socialist or socialist means someone who believes in economic equality, through a system of collective ownership of land, factories, and other property--
He ran for office as a socialist party candidate, but he got very few votes.
In the 1950's he would have been investigated for his socialist writings.

Socialite or socialite means a prominent person at gatherings of the wealthy or elite--
She is just a socialite, lionized in the press for no particular reason.
He married a wealthy socialite, and hasn't worked a day since.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"She's actually a socialite; she advocates socialist principles because it shocks her family."

Note--"social list" ( two words, rhymes with socialist ) means a printed or written series of names of friends and acquaintances--
Shall we put him on the business list or on the social list?

Thursday, October 1, 2015

successful, successive

Successful or successful means achieving a desired result, or turning out as planned--
The experiment was successful; the results support our theory.
His third attempt to climb the wall was successful.

Successful may mean, in a general sense, prosperous or famous--
He became sucessful, but only after many years of hard work.
He was a successful playwright, famous all over the world.

Successive or successive means following in a regular course or sequence--
Successive failures discouaged him, and he nearly gave up.
After successive attempts, he made it to the top.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"After successive delays, the launch was successful."