abstractly, abstractedly

Abstractly or abstractly means in a theoretical way, apart from concrete realities--
We may have difficulty thinking of justice abstractly, but we are familiar with its personification as the blindfolded woman with the scales.
Burke argued that some concepts can only be thought of abstractly.

Abstractedly or abstractedly means in an absent-minded way, or lost in thought--
I asked if he wanted lunch, but he answered abstractedly, and said something about his new car.
We said hello, but he looked at us abstractedly, and wandered away mumbling to himself.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"When we try to discuss emotional concepts abstractly, they just look at us abstractedly and try to change the subject."

Note--"abstract" means theoretical, or considered apart from real situations or things--
People often have strong emotions connected with abstract ideas they may find difficult to define.
"Abstract" also describes a painting or work of art that does not represent reality, or anything physical--
He won't come to the museum; he doesn't like abstract art.
"Abstract" also means a summary, or to write or compose a summary--
Here is the abstract of his latest article.
The intern will abstract all of the pertinent reviews.
Note # 2--"abstracted" may describe someone who is absent-minded--
He seems abstracted; is something wrong?
"Abstracted" may also be the past tense ( yesterday, or some time ago ) of "abstract", meaning to write a summary or distillation--
We abstracted this from his recent speech.

pause, paws

Pause or pause means a rest or break, or to stop briefly--
A comma ( , ) is used to indicate a brief pause.
Make sure to use the pause button to stop the movie when the pizza gets here.
Let's pause for a few minutes.

Paws or paws ( rhymes with pause ) is the plural ( more than one ) form of "paw", meaning the foot of a dog, cat, or another furry animal with claws--
Don't let the dog in; his paws are muddy.
See how the kitten uses his paws to wash his face.
Paws may also be the third person singular ( he, she, it ) form of  "paw", meaning to scratch or rub something  with the paws--
The dog paws at the door when he wants to come in.
The cat paws at the furniture before she lays down.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The cat will sometimes pause in the middle of a game, to wash his paws."

Note--"pauses" may be the third person singular form of "pause", meaning to stop briefly--
He pauses to catch his breath every few minutes.
"Pauses" may also be the plural ( more than one ) of "pause", meaning a brief rest or break--
We have to pay attention to the pauses; please note where they are marked on the script.

liable, libel

Liable or liable means likely or probable, in a general sense of possible consequences--
If he keeps missing work, he's liable to get fired.
If you park there you're liable to get a ticket.

Liable or liable means responsible or accountable, in a legal sense--
The court found him liable for the damages caused by the faulty repair.
If we don't put a fence on the edge of this hill, we may be held liable for any injuries that occur.

Libel or libel ( almost rhymes with liable ) means the crime of false accusation or defamation of character, in print, published or broadcast--
The politician is suing the magazine for libel, because of the cartoon they printed.
We can't print this; we might be sued for libel.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"The news anchor said that the star is liable to win his libel suit against the celebrity magazine."

maybe, may be

Maybe or maybe ( one word ) means possibly, or perhaps--
Mom said maybe we can go out for a pizza.
I asked if we could have the day off, and he said maybe.
Maybe we can go to the beach next Saturday.

May be or may be ( two words, rhymes with maybe ) means might happen, or could be correct, probable, or real--
There may be another meeting next week; they will let us know.
This may be the number to the pizza place, but I'm not sure.
This may be the right answer, but we'll have to look it up to find out.
He called to say that he may be late.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He said there may be overtime on Friday, so maybe we will have to stay late."

wreck, reck

Wreck or wreck means to ruin or destroy--
The crowd is waiting to watch the crew wreck that building.
Don't leave that near the heater; you'll wreck it.

Wreck is also a noun ( thing or idea ) , meaning something that has been ruined--
That old car is a wreck; you'll never get it going.
There lies the wreck of an old ship.

Reck or reck ( rhymes with wreck ) is an old-fashioned word, meaning to have concern for, to pay attention to, or to take notice of--
If yon churl wouldst reck my rede...
No reck of the advice given him did he display.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"He took no reck of their warning, and caused the wreck by his carelessness."

Note--"reckless" means having no regard or concern for danger or consequences--
He was cited for reckless driving.
Note # 2--a "wrecker" is someone or something that destroys, literally or figuratively--
The wrecker is coming to tear that old building down.
He's a home wrecker; he's always chasing married women.

selfish, shellfish

Selfish or selfish means interested only in one's own wants and needs, and not interested in what others may want or need--
She is too selfish; she never wants to do what the rest of us want to do.
They are both selfish and inconsiderate; they argue a lot.

Shellfish or shellfish ( almost rhymes with selfish ) means a fish commonly eaten, with a shell, such as crab, shrimp, or lobster--
Muslims and Jews do not eat pork or shellfish.
He enjoys all kinds of shellfish, so we are going to a lobster festival.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"Don't be selfish; share your shellfish."

Note--"sell fish" ( two words ) means to exchange fish for money--
Does this store sell fish, or just meat?

sty, stye

Sty or sty means a building used to house pigs--
The farmer lectured his employees on the proper way to clean the sty.
We can hear the pigs grunting in the sty, although the farm is on the other side of the hill.
Clean your room! This place looks like a sty!

Stye or stye ( rhymes with sty, sometimes spelled sty ) means a kind of eye infection, accompanied by swelling and redness of the eyelid--
He has a stye on his eye, and doesn't want to come out with us.
The doctor said to come to his office if that stye isn't better in a couple of days.

Now that you know that, you can say--
"No wonder he has a stye on his eye; he keeps his house like a sty."