Wednesday, March 5, 2014

WorWords often confused and misused –1


We tend to get confused between words either because they look alike or sound alike. They need not necessarily be homonyms or homophones. Some kind of similarity can make people get confused. When we misuse words, the greatest disadvantage is that we fail to get our ideas across. Misusing words can also prove hilarious or dangerous. It is better to know the difference between words and use them appropriately.

1.        Abuse               Maltreatment of a person or animal
                                    In some houses, children are abused even today.
         Misuse              The incorrect or improper use of something.
                                    The officer was arrested for misusing his authority.
2.      Adapt                Adjust
                                    My sister easily adapted to her new home after her wedding.
        Adopt                 Follow; legally raise another’s child
                                    The childless couple adopted a baby girl last month.
        Adept                 Expert
                                    He is an adept at playing saxophone.
3.         Affect               Influence somebody or something
                                    Meera is affected by the chill weather.
          Effect               Result; being in force or operation; power to influence
                                    This medicine has very good effect.

4.           Alibi                The accused’s claim of having been somewhere else
                                    The movie, ‘Drishyam’ revolves round the concept of alibi.
          Alias                 Also known as (a.k.a)
                                    Chanakya alias Kautilya was the author of Arthashastra.
5.          Alone               Without company
                                          I don’t like to stay alone in the house.
         Lonely              Feeling alone

                                    We at times feel lonely in the midst of a crowd.

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