transient, transeunt

Transient or transient means lasting or staying for a short time --
His authority was transient; when the leader returned he went back to his place on the sidelines.
The elation of the survivors was transient; soon they remembered the awful crash.

Transient may also mean a person with no fixed place or assignment --
He has been a transient for weeks, waiting for orders that haven't arrived.
He won't be able to cash a check; he's a transient here.

Transeunt or transeunt describes a thought that has some effect outside the mind --
A child who believes that his anger caused an accident or injury has embraced the idea of transeunt causation.
The philosophical discussions about tanseunt causation become mired in arguments about free will and determinism.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"He entertained a transient notion that his fall had been the result of transeunt causation."

in capable, incapable

In capable or in capable ( two words ) describes something within or held by ( in ) something able or competent ( capable ) --
We know we'll be leaving the business in capable hands.
Don't worry; we've left it in capable hands.

Incapable or incapable ( one word ) means not able; not having the skills or strength for a given task --
He tries to keep the place neat, but he is incapable.
This machine is incapable of doing heavy loads.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"He is incapable of deciding whether his financial affairs are in capable hands."

hold out, holdout

Hold out or hold out ( two words ) means to extend or to offer-
Hold out your hand; I have a surprise for you.
Hold out your foot so the clerk can measure it.
If we hold out a bonus, they'll finish on time.

Hold out may also mean to last or endure --
How long will the food hold out?
We can't hold out more than a few days in this weather.

Hold out may also mean to refuse to submit or agree --
They tried to hold out until reinforcements arrived.
He has threatened to hold out for a percentage of the gross.

Holdout or holdout ( one word ) means someone who refuses to join or participate --
He's the last holdout; everyone else has agreed to the terms.
Everyone is helping; there isn't one holdout.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"We thought the stars would hold out for more money, but there hasn't been a single holdout."

informal, in formal

Informal or informal ( one word ) means casual; without ceremony; familiar --
We are having an informal get-together on Saturday; will you come?
The office culture is informal; we use first names only.

In formal or in formal  ( two words ) means within, wearing, or using the language of ( in )  something conventional, ceremonial,  academic or official ( formal ) --
Put this in formal terms and send it to the chairman.
Everyone will be in formal wear; do you have a tuxedo?

Now that you know that, you can say --
"She won't put the flowers in formal arrangements; she prefers an informal, spontaneous look."

curious, curios

Curious or curious means wanting to learn or know; inquisitive --
He's curious about the new kid, but he won't introduce himself.
I'm curious--how did you get the children to be so quiet?

Curious is also an old-fashioned term for odd or strange --
That's a curious coincidence, very odd indeed.
He was discovered in curious circumstances, and in a part of tiwn we rarely visit.

Curios or curios is the plural ( more than one ) form of "curio", meaning an art object or conversation piece --
The house is full of old curios, things he collected in his travels.
The tables and windowsills are covered with curios; it's a shambles.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"She's curious to learn the story behind each of these curios."

inbox, in box

Inbox or inbox ( one word ) means a box or tray used to hold incoming mail, messages, or assignments --
My inbox is full, but my outbox is empty. I'd better get to work.

Inbox or inbox also means a computer file that holds incoming messages --
Did you read my email?  Check your inbox.

In box or in box ( two words ) means [ in ] its original container or case ( box ) --
Still new in box; it's a bargain.
The "nib" stands for "new in box".

Now that you know that, you can say --
"There's a message in your inbox, from a guy who wants to sell a classic video game, new in box."

imaginary, imagery

Imaginary or imaginary describes something that isn't real; that is invented in or by the mind --
Monsters are imaginary, even if they seem real in our minds.
He talks to an imaginary friend sometimes,  but otherwise he seems well- adjusted.

Imagery or imagery means mental pictures, either from memory, description, or dreams --
He is full of mental imagery of vacations on the farm; he wants to try to relive that with the children.
This poet is known for his vivid imagery; you can easily  visualize the scenes he describes.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"He dreams of imaginary terrors; his head is full of sordid imagery from video games."

graze, grays

Graze or graze means to feed on grass or plants, moving from plant to plant --
The cattle will graze all Summer and Fall; we only feed them in the Winter.
The horse will graze in the garden if you forget to shut the gate.

Graze or graze also means to brush against or rub so as to leave a scratch or scrape --
The bullet did no more than graze him, but he was stunned and seemed confused.
We let the table graze against the wall, and now it's scratched.

Grays or grays ( rhymes with graze ) is the he, she, it form of "gray", meaning to turn gray, or to become indistinct --
When your hair grays, you'll look just like your father.
The line between guilt and innocence grays when you learn the details.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"She let the sheep graze in the yard; his face grays just thinking about it."

recede, reseed

Recede or recede means to withdraw or move away --
We'll know the extent of the damage when the floodwaters recede.
His hairline is beginning to recede; did you notice?

Recede may also mean to give something back, usually a piece of land, to someone who owned it before --
We are making arrangements to recede the valley to their ambassador.

Reseed or reseed ( rhymes with recede ) means to sow the propagating parts of a plant ( seed ) again ( re- ) --
The grass is dying; we'll have to reseed this patch.
We can reseed it in the Fall.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"If the new grass starts to recede, we will reseed it next year."

address, a dress

Address or address ( one word ) means the number, street, and town of a home or  building --
Ask for her address, so you can send a postcard.
I got this letter back; I must have put the wrong address on it.

Address may also mean to write the name and street, town, and zip code on a letter or package --
Address the package to Mr. Shopper, Anytown.
How should I address the letter?

Address may also mean to use a particular form or title when speaking or writing to someone --
Make sure to address the judge as "your honor".
We address the president as "Mr. President".

Address or address may also mean a speech or statement --
He will address the voters on TV tonight, to ask for their support in the election.
He's asked to address the board of directors.

A dress or a dress ( two words ) means one ( a ) woman's garment, with a top and skirt in one piece ( dress ) --
She went downtown to buy a dress for the banquet.
She's hemming a dress; she'll be done soon.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"What's her address? I have a dress I'd like to send her."

attention, inattention

Attention or attention means notice or consideration, or mental concentration --
Raise your hand to get her attention.
Please pay attention; this is important.

Attention is also a military command, meaning to stand up straight and look forward --
Company, attention!
Remain at attention until you hear him say "at ease".

Inattention or inattention means neglect, or failure to notice or consider --
His inattention in matters of dress makes prospective employers wary.
He shows up for class, but his inattention is obvious.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"He is failing because of his inattention to lectures; when he pays attention he's a good student."

Note --"attentions" is an old-fashioned term meaning courting behavior --
He's been paying his attentions to the young widow next door.

obsess, abscess

Obsess or obsess means to occupy someone's thoughts or feelings; to haunt --
This is a new medication; if morbid thoughts obsess you, call the doctor.
He doesn't want to forget; he wants her memory to obsess him always.

Obsess may also mean to be preoccupied; to have one's thoughts haunted --
Don't obsess over it; maybe you'll win next time.
She tends to obsess over perceived snubs, but she'll get over it.

Abscess or abscess means a swelling or inflammation of a part of the body, caused by infection --
He has an abscess; will you make a dentist's appointment for him?
He has an abscess on his foot, so he'll need a wheelchair.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"She has an abscess in her jaw, and the pain medication is causing her to obsess over some strange ideas."

apathetic, a pathetic

Apathetic or apathetic ( one word ) means not interested; completely indifferent, intellectually or emotionally --
Too many citizens are apathetic when asked about the upcoming election.
He's apathetic in general, and always says he's bored.

A pathetic or a pathetic ( two words ) means one ( a ) person or thing that arouses pity or that appeals to emotion in general ( pathetic ) --
The kitten gave a pathetic cry, and we found him hiding under the car.
The lawyer made a pathetic appeal to the jury, and nearly persuaded them to acquit his client.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"She made a pathetic entreaty, but her audience remained apathetic."

Note -- not to be confused with "apatetic", describing natural camouflage --
The stick insect's apatetic shape and coloring make it difficult to spot.

alas, a lass

Alas or alas ( one word ) is an archaic ( no longer used ) expression of sadness or dismay --
"Alas, poor Yorick!"
I would like to attend, but alas, I have to work on Saturday.

A lass or a lass ( two words ) is an old-fashioned term meaning one ( a ) girl or young woman ( lass ) --
"I once loved a lass and I loved her so well..."
A local lad and a lass from the village posed for that painting.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"Alas, he's smitten with a lass who doesn't know he's alive."

a lack, alack

A lack or a lack ( two words ) means [ a ] deficiency, or the absence of something necessary --
They couldn't participate, due to a lack of funds.
"There was a lack of woman's nursing..."

Alack or alack ( one word ) is an archaic ( no longer in use ) expression of dismay or regret --
"Alack the day. She's dead, she's dead, she's dead."
Alas and alack, some evil may have befallen him!

Now that you know that, you can say --
"Alack, we've a lack of bandages, and many injured."

register, registrar

Register or register means a ledger or document for keeping records, or a machine for recording sales or other information --
Welcome to our hotel; please sign the register.
Put the receipts in the cash register.

Register may also mean to enter information into a record, or to take in or perceive, mentally --
The clerk will register your complaint.
He told me his name, but it didn't register.

Register may also mean to enroll or sign up --
Where do I register to vote?
I have to register for  classes today.

Register may also mean to display or demonstrate, as a facial expression or tone of voice --
His face will register a faint smile if he's amused.
His voice didn't register the least emotion.

Registrar or registrar means someone who keeps or maintains official records, as in a bank, a university, or a probate court --
You can ask the registrar about your grades.
He'll need to see the Registrar of Wills.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"After you register for the semester, take your tuition payment to the registrar."

talisman, talesman

Talisman or talisman means an amulet, charm, or some other object that supposedly has occult power or influence --
He wears it as a talisman; he believes that it wards off evil.
She is preparing a talisman, complete with a sacred insciption hidden inside.

Talesman or talesman means a juror, someone called from among the spectators or bystanders to fill out a jury with too few people --
He was summoned as a talesman, and won't be home until the trial is over.
The hearing was postponed because there were only ten jurors, and one was a talesman.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"He served as a talesman at the trial, and claims that his talisman helped him to vote wisely."

stone wall, stonewall

Stone wall or stone wall ( two words ) means a rock ( stone ) barrier or building component ( wall ) --
There is a stone wall at the end of the garden, with an old gate.
The old stone wall is crumbling; could we have it repaired?

Stonewall or stonewall ( one word ) means to block or delay by failing to answer questions, or by prolonged debate --
If that reporter calls again, just stonewall him.
Send him to the conference, and tell him to stonewall anyone who asks about the merger.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"The podium seemed like a stone wall, a safe spot to stand and stonewall the press."

Note --"Stonewall" Jackson, the Civil War general, earned his nickname by resembling a stone wall.

pension, penchant

Pension or pension means regular payments made to a retired or disabled person --
His pension is just enough for him to live on, but there's nothing left for emergencies.
She can begin to collect her pension when she turns 65.

Penchant or penchant means a liking or inclination --
He has a penchant for short-cuts, and we got lost.
Knowing his penchant for all things modern, he's sure to like this.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"He's on a pension, and can no longer indulge his penchant for dining out."

run around, runaround

Run around or run around ( two words ) means to go by moving the legs quickly ( run ) in a circle, or on a course to avoid an object or person, by making a part of a circle past it ( around ) --
Can you run around the track three times?
Run around the tree and come back.
Run around may also mean to go here and there --
Tell the kids to go out and run around; they've been in the house all day.
Run around may also mean to philander --
She won't run around after she's married, she says.

Runaround or runaround ( one word, sometimes spelled run-around ) means an evasive response to a question or request --
I asked about a raise, but I just got a runaround.
If you ask what he's been doing, he gives you the runaround.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"She asked if he had run around when he was younger, but she got nothing but a runaround."

heretic, heuretic

Heretic or heretic means member of a church who holds unorthodox beliefs, or a nonconformist member of an organization --
In the Middle Ages, he would have been burned for a heretic.
He's a heretic; he has denied one of the articles of faith.

Heuretic or heuretic describes something related to invention or discovery --
When we want to solve a problem, we take a heuretic view of it.
Is a heuretic outlook compatible with a faith-based philosophy?

Now that you know that, you can say--
"This is supposedly a heuretic age, when a person with a new idea is not denounced as a heretic."

stogie, stodgy

Stogie or stogie ( also stogy or stogey ) means a small cheap cigar --
He always has an unlit stogie stuck in his mouth.
Where did you get that nasty stogie? Here, try a good cigar.

Stodgy or stodgy means old-fashioned, dull, or stuck-in-the-mud --
The stodgy old man seemed annoyed at the presence of the young people.
He's stodgy and set in his ways; he'd never go for anything new.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"Her uncle seemed stodgy at first, but he always asks if I'd like a stogie."

decry, descry

Decry or decry means to disparage or condemn, especially in public --
He enjoys any opportunity to decry the ignorance and apathy of the voting public.
In ancient times, the government would decry the coinage; it all had to be traded for new coins, at a rate set by the same government.

Descry or descry means to see or to perceive, as something distant or indistinct --
If you look past that spire, you may descry the village through the fog.
He is astute; he will descry the least trace of insincerity.

Now that you know that, you can say --
"He fancies himself able to descry every petty error, and is always ready to decry the perpetrator."