WORDS CONFUSED & MISUSED

WORDS CONFUSED & MISUSED

1.      Acrimonious (quarrelsome, bitter)

There was a heavy exchange of acrimonious words between the two rivals.

Ceremonious (marked by ceremony)

Their wedding anniversary was celebrated with a ceremonious get-together of guests.

2.      Certitude (conviction)

He came to my help with a high degree of certitude.

Certificate (an authoritative statement of a fact)

The institute gave me a certificate for having studied there for two years.

3.      Cereal (grain used for food)

Excessive intake of cereals can cause toxicity inside the body.

Serial (pertaining to a series)

            What was the serial number of the cheque which he gave you?

4.      Conscious (aware)

I'm conscious of my weaknesses

Conscientious (pertaining to conscience, that is, sense of duty)

He is a Conscientious worker

5.      Census (continuing of population)

What was the last census held?

Consensus (common consent or opinion)

      Are all decisions in the cabinet taken with consensus?

6.      Note (pay attention to)

Please note this point carefully.

Connote (suggest in addition to fundamental meaning)

High altitude connotes scarcity of oxygen.

7.      Conservation (preservation)

Every country is now paying full attention to the conservation of energy.

Conservatism (tendency to maintain status quo)

In rural areas the Indian society is still obsessed with conservatism.

8.      Considerable (great, much)

I have gained a considerable experience while serving in the army.

Considerate (thoughtful, sympathetic)

We should be considerate to the needs of others in society.

9.      Consist (be made up of)

This house consists of two storeys.

Insists (urge)

He insisted on his joining the party.

10.  Conspire (make secret plans)

He conspired against the government but was caught.

Inspire (instill great thoughts into somebody's mind)

He inspired me with the thought of fearlessness.

11.  Chaff (outer covering of grain)

Rich is eaten after removing the chaff.

Chafe (make or become sore or rough by rubbing)

The waves are chafing the shore.

12.  Main (chief)

Please lock the main gate.

Mane (long hair on the neck of a horse or lion)

A lion has a long mane.

13.  Manner (way in which a thing is done or happens)

We must work in a proper manner to achieve success.

Manners (habits and customs or social bahaviour)

We must observed good manners while attending a party.

14.  Mantel (a structure above and around a fireplace or a shelf projecting from the wall above a fireplace)

The decorative mantel-piece in your house is specifically attractive.

Mental (pertaining to mind)

Are you suffering from mental fatigue?

15.  Mansion (large and stately building)

He lives in a large mansion.

Mention (reference to or naming a thing or person)

Please don't make a mention of this happening anywhere or to anybody.

16.  Mutual (affecting two or more persons in regard to each other)

This project will be of mutual benefit to us.

Common (happening frequently or existing in large numbers)

Roses are a common sight in this month.

17.  Sever (cut)

I've severed all ties with him.

Severer (acute)

I have a severe pain in my legs.

18.  Read (to look at and understand the meaning of written or printed words)

Please read this letter to me.

Reed (a tall plant with a hollow stem)

The marshy lands are often covered with reeds