cursor, precursor

Cursor or cursor means a movable pointer symbol on an electronic screen, such as a computer, used to mark the user's position on a screen--
Move the cursor to the red circle, and click on the left side of the mouse.
Use the mouse to move the cursor.

Precursor or precursor means something that precedes an event, and later seems to be a stage in its development--
The rise of literacy was a precursor of the modern idea of democracy.
The word processor was a precursor of the desktop computer.

 Now that you know that, you can say-
"The arrow keys were a precursor of the computer mouse."

gelled, jelled

Gelled or gelled is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "gel", meaning to apply a thick hair product to set a hairstyle--
He gelled his hair; did you see it?
In the 80's nearly everyone's hair was gelled.

Gelled may also describe hair that has been set with a thick hair product--
Look at this old picture of Mom with her gelled hair.
His gelled hair turned into a mess in the rain.

Jelled or jelled  ( rhymes with gelled ) is the past tense of "jell", meaning to become thick, as a pudding or jelly--
The mixture jelled in about an hour in the refrigerator.
The last time I made this recipe, it never jelled, and we used it as a sauce.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He gelled his hair until it looked like a pudding that had jelled with a few spikes on top."

logger, lager

Logger or logger means a lumberjack; someone who cuts down trees for a living--
He was a logger in Oregon for several years.
He wants to be a logger--you know, a lumberjack.

Logger may also mean a machine used for hauling logs--
The logger broke down, and everyone quit work early.
Let's go; you're holding up the logger.

Logger may also mean a computer program or application used for keeping a record of events or observations--
This new logger makes it easy to keep track of what happens in the office.
She uses a logger app to record new measurements each day.

Lager or lager ( rhymes with logger ) means a beer that is kept in cold storage to ferment and mature--
Would you like a lager or an ale?
Lager is usually pale and light-bodied.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He's having a lager with his old friend, a logger from Canada."

tease, tees, teas

Tease or tease means to make fun of or annoy, in sport or in a playful way--
He thinks it's fun to tease his little brother, but I think it's mean.
Don't tease the dog!

Tease also means to puff up a hairdo by combing it back into itself--
Does she still tease her hair into a big beehive?

Tees or tees ( rhymes with tease ) is the plural of "tee", meaning a shirt shaped like the letter "T"--
Just pack some jeans and tees; we won't be going out in the evening.
All of his tees are too small.

Tees may also be the plural of "tee", meaning a support for a golf ball, or the mound of dirt it rests on--
He had some tees in his pocket, and he sat on them.
Whose tees are these?

Tees may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "tee", meaning to strike a golf ball supported by a tee, or to take the first swing in a game of golf--
He tees off every morning at eight.

Teas or teas ( rhymes with tease ) is the plural of "tea", meaning the beverage made from leaves--
This shop has teas of nearly every kind.
She makes herbal teas with plants from her garden.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He wears tees with pictures of different teas on them; try not to tease him about them."

place, plaice

Place or place means a particular location, spot or position--
Can you find a place for this oversized chair?
We found a new pizza place, just a few blocks away.
He exercises by running in place.

Place or place also means to put in a particular position or location, literally or figuratively--
Place the spoon on the right, and the fork on the left.

Place may also mean to find employment for--
I hope we'll be able to place him quickly; he's very well qualified.

Place also means the order of position in a series--
He finished in second place.
The first place trophy will be shared this year.

Plaice or plaice ( rhymes with place ) means a flatfish caught for food in the North Atlantic--
I'm looking for a new recipe for plaice.
They fish for plaice when they go on vacation

Now that you know that, you can say--
'There's a place not far from here where they serve plaice in a delicious sauce."

adduce, a deuce

Adduce or adduce ( one word ) means to cite or mention as proof or evidence--
You may need to adduce data from several years to support your argument.
We can adduce health records of local residents in support of the new toxic waste measure.

A deuce or a deuce ( two words, rhymes with adduce ) means ( a ) playing card or die with two spots ( deuce ) --
He drew a deuce and lost the hand.
If he draws a deuce he'll have a straight.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"If you adduce his financial records to make your case, it will be like playing a deuce against an ace."

basil, basal

Basil or basil means the culinary herb, related to mint--
Add a teaspoon of chopped fresh basil, and bring the sauce to a boil.
He keeps a pot of basil growing in the kitchen window.

Basal or basal ( rhymes or nearly rhymes with basil ) describes something related to a bottom layer or minimum level, or to a foundation--
The doctor prescribed a basal level of a new drug; the dose might be increased if necessary.
The basal leaves will emerge from the root in a few weeks.
The basal reader is about the right level for this class.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The basal amount of basil is about a teaspoon to a quart of sauce."

Note--"Basil" ( always capitalized, nearly rhymes with castle ) is a male's given name--
His name is Basil, but everyone calls him Tex.

serrate, cerate

Serrate or serrate describes something with notched edges, or a coin with grooved edges--
This serrate leaf comes from a different species of tree.
When this coin was new it had a serrate edge.

Cerate or cerate ( rhymes with serrate ) means a mixture of wax, fat, or oil and medicinal ingredients--
A cerate can be applied to cloth, which can be used to cover a burn or wound.
The doctor prescribed a cerate, because it will stay on the skin better than an ointment.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The edge is serrate or jagged; apply this cerate to gauze and cover the wound with it."

bade, bayed

Bayed or bayed is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "bay", meaning to bark or howl loudly--
A chill went down his spine when the dog bayed at the moon.
The wind moaned, and a wolf bayed in the distance.

Bade or bade ( rhymes with bayed ) is an archaic ( no longer in use ) past tense of "bid", meaning to summon, command or wish--
He opened the door and bade them enter.
The officer held up his hand, and bade them stop.
He bade them farewell, and boarded the ship.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The old man bade them listen, as a coyote bayed on the hill."

docks, dox

Docks or docks is the plural ( more than one ) of "dock", meaning a platform used to provide access to a boat, or to secure a boat, along the shore or extending into the water--
There are two small docks on the lake, at the end of the yard.
The city plans to build some small boat docks along here.

Docks may also be the plural of "dock", meaning a place for plugging in an electronic device, for charging, for connection,  or for power--
There are docks in the desk drawer, if you need to charge your laptop.
Many new cars come with docks for your phone or other devices.

Docks may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "dock", meaning to tie up a boat at a mooring along the shore or extending into the water; to tie up at a dock--
When the boat docks, we'll help them bring everything ashore.
He already docks the boat like an old hand.

Docks may also be the third person singular ( he, she it ) form of "dock", meaning to take away a part of, most commonly to deduct from wages--
The boss docks our pay when we're late.
Our employer docks our pay if we break a dish; I'm sure that's not fair.

Docks may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of "dock", meaning to take away the end of the tail or ears of a dog or some other animal--
If the vet docks our dog's ears, he'll look like a champion.
He docks the tails on dogs like this; I'm against it.

Dock's or dock's my be the possessive of "dock", used to describe something that belongs to a dock, meaning a platform to provide access to a boat, or to secure a boat, or a connection for an electronic device--
The dock's paint is peeling, but it's still serviceable.
The dock's connection is weak.

Dock's may also be short for "dock is", meaning a platform for a boat, or a connection for an electronic device--
The dock's in need of repair.
The dock's on the back of the table.

Dox or dox ( rhymes with docks ) means to publish personal information about someone on the internet, without the person's consent, in a malicious or spiteful way--
He threatened to dox his coworkers if they told the boss what he'd been up to.
He's fishing for information to dox his neighbor.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He connects his laptop to docks in public places, so he can dox people and not be traced."

Note--"docs" ( rhymes with docks ) is short for "documents"--
He's sending over some docs for you to sign.

Note#2--"doc's" may be a short form of "doctor's", meaning "doctor is", or "belonging to the doctor"--
The doc's with a patient; can I help you?
Don't park in the doc's space.

radical, radicle

Radical or radical means extreme; very different from the ordinary, usual, or existing--
These changes seem to radical; maybe we could do this one step at a time.
They have made some radical alterations to the original plans.

Radical may also mean a a person who holds or advocates very different views; who advocates extensive or profound change in a political or social system--
He was quite a radical in college, but he's toned down his rhetoric since then.
He likes to think of himself as a radical, but he's barely liberal, in reality.

Radical may also mean a group of atoms behaving as a unit--
Harmful chemicals can produce a free radical, capable of damaging cells.

Radical is also a mathematical term or sign, meaning the root of a number, the square root if no other number is before it--
√4=2 ( The square root of four equals two. )

Radicle or radicle ( rhymes with radical ) means the part of a plant embryo that develops into the root--
When a seed germinates, the radicle grows down, into the soil.
The radicle is the first part of a seedling to grow.

Radicle may also mean one of the smallest parts of a vein or nerve--
The smallest radicle of any nerve might be irritated by the toxin.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He has a radical new theory about the effect of electricity on the radicle of a seed."

code, coed

Code or code means a system of letters, numbers, or symbols used to store, transmit, or encrypt information--
The scanner can't read the bar code if the package is damaged.
The telegraph used Morse code to send messages by wire.
Do you remember the security code?

Code ( also encode ) may also mean to encrypt information using a system of letters, numbers, or symbols--
Sergeant, code this message and send it to headquarters.
She is learning to code, and is planning a career change.

Code may also mean a set of rules and regulations, or, generally, ideas about how to behave--
Please read the code of conduct before using the pool.
"I could tell you a lot, but it's not in a gentleman's code..."

Coed or coed ( also spelled co-ed ) is short for coeducational, an old-fashioned term meaning a female college student--
Their mom was a coed in the 1950's; now many college students are female.
Times have changed; my daughter asked me what a coed is.

Coed may also describe a school or facility for both males and females--
This college was once all male; now it's coed.
Is this a coed dorm?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"She was the first coed to become an expert in computer code."

Note--"coded" is the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "code", meaning to encrypt information using a set of letters, symbols, or numbers--
Who coded this message?

mongrel, Mongol

Mongrel or mongrel means a dog of mixed or unidentifiable breed; a mutt--
We don't want a pedigreed dog; we'd prefer a mongrel.
This mongrel is very clever, although he's funny-looking.

Mongol ( always capitalized ) describes someone or something from Mongolia--
He's making a film about the Mongol invasions of the Middle Ages.
The Mongol Empire was one of the largest empires in the world.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He named his mongrel puppy "Genghis" after the famous Mongol emperor."

perimeter, parameter

Perimeter or perimeter means the outer boundary of a particular space or a plot of land--
Tell the guard to secure the perimeter.
What is the perimeter of a rectangle that is 3 feet long and 2 feet wide?

Parameter or parameter means a measure or limit that defines a system, or that controls how something operates--
Age is a useful parameter for a marketing campaign.
Many people see political dissent as a parameter of economic satisfaction.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Our budget is the most important parameter; can we afford a wall around the perimeter?"

logical, logistical

Logical or logical means rational, sensible, or using clear and sound reasoning or argument--
It's a common logical fallacy; it doesn't belong in a sound argument.
Write down all of the logical reasons for your decision, so you won't be swayed by emotion.

Logistical or logistical describes something related to the movement or supply of goods, services, or personnel--
We have more people to house than we planned for; it's a logistical mess.
It would take a logistical miracle to supply all of these soldiers before we run out of food.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"We'll need all of our most logical people to help solve this logistical problem."

dicast, diecast

Dicast or dicast means a juryman of ancient Athens, called on to hear and decide law cases--
In Ancient Greece, a citizen might be called upon to serve as a dicast.
He was the only dicast to turn down his thumb.

Diecast or diecast ( sometimes spelled die-cast, rhymes with dicast ) means to make a metal object by pouring molten metal into a mold--
We want to  hire someone to diecast an historically accurate replica.
He is learning to diecast precision parts.

Diecast may also describe a metal object made by pouring molten metal into a mold--
He has a collection of diecast model cars.
This is an old diecast metal toy; it may be valuable.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Here is a set of mid-century diecast chessmen; the rook may be a dicast from Ancient Greece, the pawn a soldier."

purr, per

Purr or purr is the sound a contented cat makes, a low vibrating rumble, also made by some other animals--

This cat has a very loud purr.
You want the engine to make a purr, not a roar.


Purr may also mean to make the sound of a contented cat--
I can hear the cat purr from across the room.
"I'll be sittin' next to her and she'll purr like a kitten..."

Per or per ( rhymes with purr ) most commonly means for each--
We can't afford to spend more than a dollar per item.
If you buy more than a hundred, they'll be twenty-five cents per pair.
Our employer will reimburse us at a rate of thirty cents per mile.

Per is also an archaic ( no longer in use ) word meaning "by way of"--
Have this sent per the parcel delivery service.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He's been feeding the cat at a rate of three treats per purr."

purree, purée

Purée or purée ( sometimes printed or typed without the accent mark ) means a mash; food ground or blended to a paste--
Blend the mixture to a purée, and add to the soup.
Beat the ingredients to a purée, and allow them to cool.

Purée or purée also means to grind or blend food to a paste--
Would you purée some fruit for the baby?
Some cooks purée the vegetables instead of cooking them to a mash.

Purree or purree is a dye or pigment from India, used in paint, also called Indian yellow--
The wonderful deep yellow color is called purree.
He wants some paint made with real purree, from India.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Purée the sauce until it is the color of purree."

expose, exposé

Expose or expose means to make something visible, usually by uncovering it; to leave something uncovered or unprotected, literally or figuratively--
Cutting down the tree will expose the house to the sun.
His liberal stance may expose him to criticism.

Exposé or exposé  means a report of the facts, most commonly used to mean a news item or article that reveals a scandal of some kind--
Watch the late news for an exposé of corruption in local government.
She is working on an exposé of toxic waste dumping.

Now that you know that, you can say-- 
"In this shocking exposé, we will expose the irresponsible decisions made by health insurers"

bulbul, bulbil

Bulbul or bulbul means one of a family of songbirds found in Africa and part of Asia--
He recorded the song of a bulbul while on a trip to Africa.
This looks like the nest of a bulbul.

Bulbil or bulbil ( sometimes spelled bulbel ) means a tiny bulb that grows between a leaf and stem in some plants--
The bulbil will grow into a new plant if you water it.
Each bulbil may form a new onion plant.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The bulbul may be interested in eating a bulbil from the lily; we'd need to ask an ornithologist."

camo, cameo

Camo or camo is an abbreviation ( short form ) of "camouflage", meaning something used to hide the presence of military equipment, usually by painting or covering it to match its surroundings--
He's nearly impossible to see when he's wearing camo.
She likes the camo print shirt; I think it's weird.

Cameo or cameo means a small carved image set in a piece of jewelry, usually on a background of  a different material--
He bought that cameo in Italy; it's a very nice one.
She doesn't want a lady in profile; she wants a cameo with a dog on it.

Cameo may also mean a brief literary piece or dramatic role--
The piece is a cameo, describing the life of a small town editor.
Your favorite actor has a cameo role in this film.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"It's a custom made cameo of a soldier, done in camo green and brown."