Friday, January 29, 2016

wicked, wicket

Wicked or wicked ( two syllables ) means evil, sinful, or immoral--
"This is her sister, the wicked witch of the west, and she's worse than the other one was."
"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes."

Wicket or wicket means a small door, gate, or opening, as for selling tickets or for regulating the flow of water to a mill--
He's manning a wicket, selling tickets for the rides.
When the wicket is raised, the water flows through it and starts the wheel.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He reached through the wicket to help himself, which was most intolerably wicked of him."

Note--"wicked" ( one syllable ) is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "wick", meaning to draw up liquid, as a piece of string or cloth might do--
When you left the end of the string in the glass, it wicked up most of the water.
Note # 2-- "wick it" means to draw up ( wick )  something ( it, or the liquid )--
If you put a piece of cloth in the lamp oil, it will wick it up.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

coax, cokes

Coax or coax means to influence or persuade, usually with flattery or other pleasant wiles--
See if you can coax the baby into putting on his shoes.
Don't try to coax her; just let her alone if she doesn't want to come with us.

Cokes or cokes ( rhymes with coax ) is the plural of "coke", meaning the popular soda--
Two cokes and two burgers, please.
The kids left their cokes on the counter.

Coke's ( rhymes with coax ) would most commonly be a contraction ( short, informal form ) of "coke is"--
This coke's warm.
My coke's empty.
Coke's might also be the possessive ( belonging to )  form of "coke"--
He likes the coke's flavor, but not the bubbles.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Maybe we could coax the kids to help if we offered them a couple of cokes."

Note--"coax" ( pronounced koh axe ) may be a short name for "coaxial cable", the kind used for cable TV connection--
I can't hook this up until I get some more coax.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

bathos, pathos

Bathos or bathos means overdone sentimentality or insincere attempts to garner sympathy for something made ridiculous--
These old movies were popular once, but to a modern viewer they descend into bathos.
I don't know whether I should feel pity for this character, or scorn his bad judgment as bathos.

Pathos or pathos means the capacity to evoke pity for suffering, as in literature or art--
The story is written with genuine pathos; it's hard to forget.
The story of Job is a well-known example of pathos.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We pity the victim of pathos, as a suffering human being, but scorn the fool of bathos, and his lack of understanding."

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

copes, copse, cops

Copes or copes is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "cope", meaning to struggle with successfully, to handle or deal with--
This job is stressful, but he copes with it very well.
She copes with emergencies when they arise; it's the day-to-day problems that get to her.

Copes may also be the plural ( more than one ) of "cope", meaning a long robe or mantle, as worn by a professional religious person--
The ladies made several copes for the minister to wear on holidays.
The copes of the priests are embroidered with a cross and a lamb.

Copes may also be the third person singular of "cope", meaning to join two pieces of wood molding by cutting away a part of one, so that they overlap--
The carpenter says he usually copes the pieces together.

Copse or copse means a small thicket of trees or shrubbery--
The dog ran into that copse, chasing a rabbit or something.
The farm is about a half a mile beyond that copse.

Cops or cops ( rhymes with copse ) is the plural of "cop", a slang term for a police officer--
Pull over, the cops behind us have their lights on.
The cops are going to visit the school, to talk to the students.

Cops may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "cop", meaning to steal or nab; to catch--
He cops an apple every time he walks by that fruit stall.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He's one of the local cops; he copes with the pressure of his job by sitting in a copse by a brook."

Monday, January 25, 2016

mince, mints

Mince or mince means to chop or cut into very small pieces--
Mince the celery and add it to the pot. 
You can learn to use a food processor to mince the chicken for this recipe.

Mince may be used figuratively, especially to describe affected daintiness in speech or walking--
He doesn't mince words; he just says what's on his mind.
She tends to mice when she wears high heels; she needs some practice.

Mints or mints ( rhymes with mince ) is the plural ( more than one ) of "mint", meaning an aromatic herb used to make medicine, candy, and toiletries--
He tried different mints in this recipe, but spearmint worked best.

Mints may be the plural of "mint", meaning a piece of candy made with mint--
Buy some mints when you stop at the store, for the dish on the counter.
I had a roll of mints and I can't find them.

Mint's is the possessive ( belonging to ) form of "mint"--
This mint's aroma is wonderful.
This mint's wrapper is torn.

Mint's may also be a contraction ( short, informal form ) of "mint is"--
This mint's very strong; I don't like it.
This mint's mine.

Mints may also be the plural of "mint", meaning a place where money is coined--
There were mints in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, many years ago.

Mints may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "mint", meaning to coin money or print currency--
Our federal government mints the money we use every day.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Mince the mints and sprinkle them over the top of the cookies."

Note--"minces" is the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "mince", meaning to cut or chop fine, or to walk or talk with affected daintiness--
She minces onions like a professional chef.

Friday, January 22, 2016

actually, actuary

Actually or actually means really, as an existing fact--
Everyone is telling a different story; the video will show what actually happened.
Is he actually going to quit his job over this argument?

Actuary or actuary means someone who computes insurance risks and rates based on statistics and mortality rates--
An actuary may be able to predict your life expectancy more accurately than a doctor can.
He's studying to be an insurance actuary, and now he thinks about when people are going to die.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"An actuary can't actually tell when you're going to die; it's just a guess, based on available information."

Thursday, January 21, 2016

morality, mortality

Morality or morality means adherence to the rules of right conduct or right and wrong--
Children learn morality by watching what we do, not by what we say.
Morality is as simple as deciding to be someone you can live with.

Mortality or mortality means the state of being subject to death, of being alive and having an end at some time to life--
He's in therapy; he says he's having trouble with the idea of his own mortality. 

Mortality more commonly means the rate of death, especially from a  particular disease or disaster--
The mortality from car accidents is even worse than it was years ago, or so it seems.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"It's not merely a question of morality; the mortality rate among users of this product is outrageous."

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

courtesy, curtsey

Courtesy or courtesy means polite behavior or an expression of consideration--
Make sure that our employess treat all clients with courtesy.
The hotel offered an airport shuttle as a courtesy to its guests.

Curtsey or curtsey ( sometimes spelled curtsy ) means a sort of bow made by women in olden times, or in foreign countries, as a display of respect to a superior--
A curtsey is made by bending the knees and bowing the head.
The only place an American will see a curtsey is on the stage.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"You won't be expected to curtsey to our guests, just to treat them with courtesy."

Note--"curtesy" is a legal term form the past, meaning the right a husband had to a life tenure in his late wife's land--
After his wife's death, he continued to work the farm as a tenant by the curtesy.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

penance, pennants

Penance or penance means a punishment undergone as an offering for the forgiveness of a sin--
He was taught to repeat prayers as a penance for his transgressions.
They are all working late, as a sort of penance for missing the deadline on the last job.

Pennants or pennants ( rhymes with penance ) is the plural ( more than one ) of "pennant", meaning a long flag with a pointed end, sometimes used as identification or as a signal, sometimes as an emblem of victory--
We bought those pennants at the World's Fair, many years ago.
The baseball team has won several pennants in the past, but it's been on a losing streak lately.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He thinks of losing as a form of penance, and that championship pennants are the result of divine intervention."

Monday, January 18, 2016

lavatory, laboratory

Lavatory or lavatory means a washroom, a bathroom, or a room with a basin or sink--
Teacher, may I go to the lavatory?
There is a lavatory on one side of the visiting room.

Laboratory or laboratory means a room equipped for scientific experiments, observations, or investigations--
The old scientist has a real laboratory upstairs, with all kinds of equipment.
The doctor sends the specimens to a laboratory for analysis.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Make sure to wash your nin the lavatory after using the chemicals in the laboratory."

Friday, January 15, 2016

aback, a back

Aback or aback ( one word ) , most commonly used in the phrase "taken aback", means surprised or disconcerted--
He was taken aback when he heard the news.
I though he knew about the accident, but he seemed taken aback when I mentioned it.

Aback is also a nautical term, meaning with the wind against the forward side of the sail or sails--
The schooner was caught aback, and arrived later than expected.

A back or a back ( two words ) describes one ( a ) rear part, or part farthest from the front or main part ( back )--
He had a back injury a few years ago, and it still bothers him.
Should we get on the highway, or take a back road?
There is a back room to this place; it was once a speakeasy.

A back may also mean one ( a ) large tub or vat ( back )--
The cloth will have to soak in a back for at least an hour.

A back may also means one ( a ) ferryboat hauled across the water by a chain ( back )--
There is a back you can used to get across the river, about a mile north of here.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"I knew the place had a back porch, but I was taken aback when I saw the size of it."

Thursday, January 14, 2016

becalm, be calm

Becalm or becalm ( one word ) means to strand a sailing vessel because it has no wind to propel it--
This weather might becalm the ship, and we'll run out of supplies before we reach land.
One part of the ocean is said to becalm ships regularly.

Be calm or be calm ( two words ) to ( be ) free from wind or motion, literally, or free from agitation or excitement, figuratively--
I hope the weather will be calm tomorrow; I promised to take the children on a picnic.
I know it's upsetting, but try to be calm.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"It's important to be calm; even the doldrums can't becalm our boat forever."

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

crossword. cross word

Cross word or cross word ( two words ) means an irritable or angry ( cross ) unit of language with a distinct meaning ( word )--
He has such a cheerful disposition; he never says a cross word.
Hold your tongue; one cross word leads to another.

Crossword or crossword ( one word ) means or describes a kind of puzzle in which words fit together across and down, solved by clues given for each--
The game works like a crossword; you have to find a word that will fit into the other words.
He's doing the crossword puzzle; he won't pay any attention to you.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If you don't want to hear a cross word, don't interrupt him while he's doing a crossword."

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

begone, be gone

Begone or begone ( one word ) is a command to go away or leave--
"Begone, Satan: for it is written..."
"Begone, you have no power here!"

Be gone or be gone ( two words ) means to ( be ) departed, used up, or past ( gone )--
I hope these customers will be gone soon.
How could all of the pizza be gone?
When will your crutches be gone?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"It seems these stray cats will never be gone; I just yell "begone!" at them when I see them."

Note--"woebegone" means showing sorrow or woe; sad-looking, literally or figuratively--
What a woebegone place. It makes me feel sad just to look at it.

Monday, January 11, 2016

across, a cross

Across or across ( one word ) means from one side to the other--
They sailed across the Atlantic in a great ocean liner.
He walked slowly across the room.
He folded his arms across his chest.
Draw a line across the paper, about an inch from the top.
Across may be used figuratively, meaning in terms that can be understood or that will be agreed to--
He can't seem to get his ideas across.
We'll never put this deal across.

A cross or a cross ( two words ) means one ( a ) structure with one upright piece, and two arms that project at right angles from the main part ( cross )--
He found some wood to make a cross, and used it to mark the grave.
He wore a cross around his neck, with a small gem in the center.

A cross ( two words ) may also describe one annoyed or ill-tempered person or thing--
What a cross old man!
He rarely says a cross word.

A cross may also mean one ( a ) thing or idea that is a hybrid of two others ( cross )--
A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey.
It's a cross between pizza and spaghetti; do you like it?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He walked across the field one way, and then the other, marking out the shape of a cross as he went."

Friday, January 8, 2016

quality, equality

Quality or quality means a characteristic or attribute--
He never gets annoyed; that's his most unusual quality.
This place has a strange, moody quality, especially when it rains.

Quality also means character or nature--
"The quality of mercy is not strained..."
Art has the quailty of being timeless; popular culture is ephemeral.

Quality is also used to mean excellence or superiority--
The shop clerk dreamed of becoming a lady of quality, like the heroine of a romance novel.
Bring this to the attention of the quality control manager.

Equality or equality means the state of being alike or the same--
The scale will help to ensure equality of weight.

Equality, when used to refer to persons, means the same or alike in rank, status, or degree--
"Equality under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex..."
CORE is an acronym for "Congress of Racial Equality".

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Fairness is his best quality; he really believes in equality for everyone."

Note--"equity" means fairness or impartiality, most commonly as applied to civil suits--
"The judicial Power shall extend to all cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution..."

Equity may also mean the interest of a stockholder in the corporation--
His equity still doesn't amount to 20%; he can't arrange a takeover.

Equity may also mean the interest of an owner of mortgaged property in the house or land; the amount of it that this person actually owns--
They can't borrow any more money; they only have $10,000 in equity.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

oohs, ooze

Oohs or oohs is the plural ( more than one ) of "ooh", an expression of interest or admiration, most commonly used in the phrase "oohs and ahs"--
She was pleased with her efforts when she brought out the platter and heard the oohs and ahs.
We enjoy the fireworks, and the oohs and ahs that go with them.

Ooze or ooze ( rhymes with oohs ) means to flow or exude slowly through openings or under doors--
We'll need sandbags, so that the mud won't ooze under the door.
You'll need a watertight container; something the mud won't ooze out of.

Ooze may also mean soft mud or slime--
All of the creatures on Earth are supposed to have originated in the primordial ooze.
He lost his shoe when it stuck in the ooze.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Seal the outside, so the batter won't ooze out; you'll be hearing oohs and ahs when the cake is done."

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

sector, sect or

Sector or sector ( one word ) means a part of the area of a circle, shaped like a slice of pie--
Each sector should measure 60 degrees, dividing the circle into 6 parts.

Sector may also mean  the area in which a military unit operates, or some other division of an area--
No one is permitted to leave this sector until further notice.

Sect or or sect or ( two words ) means a religious denomination; a party or faction with different beliefs ( sect ) offered as an alternative ( or )--
He belongs to a small sect or cult; their beliefs are a bit unusual.
He's trying to decide whether to join the sect or not; it would mean leaving his current church.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"That sect or party has its headquarters in the sector nearest the border."

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

inquest, in quest

Inquest or inquest ( one word ) means a legal hearing to determine the cause of death of a person--
The coroner thought the death seemed suspicious, and called for an inquest.
At the inquest, the jurors decided that the man's death was accidental.

In quest or in quest ( two words ) means ( in ) search or pursuit of something ( quest )--
They went to the big city, in quest of excitement.
The knights rode off in quest of adventure of any kind.
That dog looks like a wolf, in quest of its prey.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The reporter sneaked into the inquest, in quest of information about the man's death."

Monday, January 4, 2016

taupe, tope

Taupe or taupe means a color, a mix of brown and gray--
The taupe pantyhose don't look right with that dress.
We were thinking of a light taupe for the new upholstery.





Tope or tope means to drink alcohol habitually to excess--
He thinks he can tope for months or years and just stop when he gets tired of it.
You'll tope your life away and wonder where the years went if you don't quit drinking.

Tope or tope also means a small shark found off the European coast--
A tope washed up on the beach this morning, and swam away when we put him back in the water.

Tope, in Buddhist countries, also means a dome-shaped religious monument--
The tope on top of this monument needs repair, so we're asking for contributions.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The old man said that when he used to tope the whole world seemed gray or taupe to him."

Friday, January 1, 2016

mast, massed

Mast or mast means the spar that holds sails on a boat or ship, or an upright post in general--
The ship was in port, waiting to have its mast repaired.
There wasn't a tree left that was large enough to make a ship's mast.

Mast or captain's mast may also mean a hearing on board a ship, for a crew member accused of a minor offense--
He has to appear at a captains' mast in the morning.

Mast may also mean acorns or wild nuts used as food for livestock--
We can feed the hogs mast if we run out of grain.

Massed or massed ( rhymes with mast ) is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "mass", meaning to gather together in bulk; to form one large body--
She beat the mixture until it massed into one lump of dough.
A crowd massed below the window, wondering if the mayor would speak to them.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The wind blew until the sails massed in one lump around the broken mast."

Note--"amassed" is the past tense of "amass", meaning to gather together or assemble; to collect or accumulate--
He amassed a large fortune trading stocks and bonds.
Not to be confused with "a mast", meaning one ( a ) spar that holds sails on a ship ( mast )--
We'll need a piece of wood large enough to make a mast.