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Post on: June 6, 2022

The Right Word (Vol 1)

The right word used in an impactful manner can transform a mediocre writer into an excellent one. Similarly, a lacklustre essay can be given a whiff of fresh air by words that appeal to the senses.

One of the greatest nightmares for a presenter is to use the wrong word when the audience is all ears. I once bore witness to such an experience — let me walk down memory lane…

Years ago, I accompanied a friend to attend a seminar on “migration”. The speaker was very polished and spoke eloquently with an air of pomp. However, she used a word which caused some consternation. At one stage of her lengthy speech, she said: “You do not have to denounce your current citizenship but apply for permanent residency first and then decide after determining if you can assimilate in your adopted country.”

The audience looked puzzled but was overawed by her self-confidence to clarify if she had meant Renounce (to give up) instead of Denounce (to condemn). And she kept on reiterating “denounce” many times during her talk. It was a speech which was informative and well-presented albeit marred by a wrong word which stuck out like a sore thumb.

Most of us can identify with such blunders in our daily use of the English language. Oftentimes we come across or sometimes use such confusing words. They may look alike, sound alike or even encompass both but have a completely different meaning.

I have compiled a list of commonly confused words which we come across in our daily lives.

1. Climax vs Acme

  • Climax means the most intense or important point of something (The climax of the night’s event was the special appearance by the pop group).
  • Acme means the highest point of achievement (His work is considered the acme of ceramic art).

2. Partake vs Participate

  • Partake means to eat or drink (We stayed back after the meeting to partake of the refreshments).
  • Participate means to take part in (During her college days she did not participate in any extra-curricular activities).

3.Ad hoc vs Ad lib

  • Ad hoc means created for a particular purpose. (The committee was formed on an ad hoc basis to address high obesity rate among school children).
  • Ad lib means without any preparation; impromptu. (The professor forgot he had to give a speech to the graduating class and had no choice but to ad lib it).

4.Allegory vs Analogy

  • Allegory means a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning (The painting is an allegory of sin and judgement).
  • Analogy means a comparison between different things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification (The nurse made an analogy between one’s diet and high cholesterol).

5.Apposite vs Opposite

  • Apposite means appropriate or suitable (Being thorough in his research, Roy gave a speech which was apposite to the current state of affairs).
  • Opposite means completely different (The corporal chose Tom as the most helpful cadet but his peers had opposite views).

6.Translator vs Interpreter

  • A translator is a person who converts books or articles from one language into another.
  • An interpreter converts what someone is saying into another language.

7.Shear vs Sheer

  • Shear means to cut the wool off (The farmer taught her how to shear sheep).
  • Sheer means an emphasis used to show how great or important something is (He passed with flying colour through sheer determination).

8.Paramount vs Tantamount

  • Paramount means most important; supreme. (Giving the displaced group food and refuge is of paramount importance).
  • Tantamount means being almost the same or having the same effect as something (Refusing to look at the teacher when being questioned was tantamount to an admission of guilt).

9.Ostensibly vs ostentatiously

  • Ostensibly means apparently; something that seems to be true but which people have their doubts (The ostensible purpose of the meeting was to consider the welfare of the blue-collar workers).
  • Ostentatiously means showy or pretentious (The mother and daughter flaunt their jewellery ostentatiously at the wedding reception).

10.Censor vs Censure

  • To censor is to supress objectionable subject matter. (The library censored the book which held controversial views).
  • To censure is to criticise strongly. (The press censured the voluntary organisation for not managing its finances in an acceptable manner).

Using the right word is the key to effective communication. To be taken seriously especially in formal writing, one as to make sure the right word is used. The Jolly Good Times will be sharing more of such articles. If you had enjoyed reading, share it — invite your kakis (buddies) to like us on our Facebook and Website.

By Shaji Thomas Varughese

#JollyGoodTimes #TheRightWord #ShajiThomasVarughese
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