LEVEL 1 LIST

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• A•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
a lot A lot is two words meaning "much": A lot of bologna was left over from the
allot party.
a while A while is two words meaning "a short period of time": I will meet you in a
awhile while.
A is an indefinite article to be used before nouns beginning with a consonant: a
photograph, a tree, a horse.
a
An is to be used before nouns beginning with a vowel (or vowel sound): an
an
apple, an hour, an elephant.
and
And is a conjunction used between nouns in a list: A blanket and picnic basket
are needed for the afternoon.
Accede means "to agree or allow": Hiram Cheaply finally acceded to accepting
accede the presidency of the company.
exceed Exceed means "to go beyond, to surpass": The amount of alcohol in his blood
exceeded the previous record.
Accept means "to take willingly": Miss Deeds accepted the cup of hot tea even
accept without a saucer.
except Except is a preposition meaning "excluding": Everyone was disappointed with
the party except Ida Goodtime.
Adapt means "to adjust": Minnie Miles quickly adapted to living away from
adapt home.
adept Adept means "skilled": Lucille is adept at speaking languages.
adopt Adopt means to "accept as your own": It was difficult to adopt only one puppy
from the animal shelter.
Adverse means "unfavorable, hostile": Those driving in adverse winter
adverse conditions may be putting themselves at risk.
averse
Averse means "unwilling or repelled": She was immediately averse to the idea.
Advice is a noun meaning "an opinion given with the intention of helping": My
advice mother still gives me advice even though I'm 40 years old.
advise Advise is a verb meaning "to give counsel or advice": The meteorologist
advised listeners to stay indoors because of the extremely cold temperatures.
Affect is most often used as a verb meaning "to influence": The president's
affect speech affected his views of the upcoming election.
effect The verb effect means "to cause": Batting her eyes so flirtatiously effected a
strong desire in Rathbone to embrace Mirabelle.
 Aid is help or assistance given: Every Christmas the community gives aid to
aid those less fortunate.
aide An aide is a person who helps: Frieda Gogh worked five years as a teacher's
aide.
Airs refers to snobbish and artificial behavior: Portia Radclyffe put on airs at
airs the fine dinner party just because she had a few diamonds.
heirs
Heirs are people who, because they are family, will inherit an estate or title.
all right All right is a phrase meaning "everything is right": Is all right here?
alright Alright is a single word meaning "OK": Is everything alright here?
All together is applied to people or things that are being treated as a whole: We
always had fun when we were all together. To double check this usage, try
all together separating the two words: We all had fun when were together.
altogether
Altogether is an adverb that means "completely or totally": Using a flashlight
in bed is an altogether new approach to reading.
All ways means "by every means or method": Dirk tried all ways to navigate
all ways the storm.
always Always means "forever": Sue St. Marie always responded calmly during
emergency situations.
Allude means "to suggest indirectly": Leticia can't speak to her husband without
allude alluding to his affair with Martha Snodgrass.
elude Elude means "to dodge or escape": Serious relationships always seemed to
elude him.
An allusion is a subtle reference or hint: Rita Book made an allusion to the
allusion most recent novel she read in our conversation yesterday.
illusion An illusion is a deception, mirage, or a wild idea: The teacher said she had no
illusions about how much work teaching demands.
Almost means "nearly all": Almost all my friends have graduated from college
by now.
almost
most Most is superlative of more, meaning "the greatest or to the highest degree":
Chuck is the most computer savvy guy I know, or Chuck cooked a most
delicious supper.
Aloud means "speaking so that someone else can hear you": Read this
aloud paragraph aloud.
allowed Allowed means "having permission": His boss allowed him to take the weekend
off.
Already is an adverb that indicates an action is completed by a certain time:
Herschel had already finished that whole pie.
already, all ready
All ready means "everything is completely prepared": The children were all
ready and bundled up warmly to go caroling on the snowy evening.
Alternately means "taking turns": We paddled alternately so neither of us
alternately would get too tired.
alternatively Alternatively means "as an option": Instead of going by train, we could have
gone alternatively by car.
ambiguous Ambiguous is describes a phrase or act with more than one meaning, or one
 that is unclear: The ending of the short story is ambiguous; we don't know if he
died or continue his journey.
ambivalent
Ambivalent means "uncertainty and having conflicting attitudes and feelings":
He was ambivalent as to which candidate to vote for.
Amiable refers to a person who is friendly, good-natured, and pleasant: Susan
was very amiable and liked immediately.
amiable
amicable Amicable means "friendly and peaceable", and is used to describe agreements
or relationships between groups or people: After years of disagreement, the two
countries came to an amicable agreement.
Among is used for three or more: Shirley had to choose among three
among universities she might attend.
between
Between is used for two things: I couldn't decide between blue and green.
Amoral means "having no principles at all, good or bad": Percy is totally
amoral amoral; he is either helping others or helping himself at their expense.
immoral Immoral means "bad, lacking good principles": Everything his brother does
harms others whether it benefits him or not.
Amount is used with uncountable and abstract nouns: a large amount of money,
amount amount of work, amount of happiness or amount of dirt.
number Number is used with countable and concrete plural expressions: a number of
people, a number of attempts, a number of novels, a number of trials.
Amused is when something is entertaining: The children were amused by
amused watching the kittens play.
bemused Bemused means "bewildered" or "lost in thought": George was bemused by the
unexpected ending to the movie.
annual Annual means "yearly": We must pay an annual tax.
annul Annul means "to make void or invalid": They want to annul the marriage.
Any one means "any one person": Any one of you may go, but not all of you.
any one
anyone Anyone means "anybody, any person at all": Anyone can chew gum and walk at
the same time.
anyway
anywhere
nowhere
Anyway, anywhere, and nowhere are the correct forms.
anyways
anywheres
nowheres
apart Apart is an adverb meaning "in pieces": My plan for my vacation fell apart.
a part A part is a noun meaning "one section of": A part of my heart left when he did.
appraise Appraise is to assess or estimate the worth of: to appraise a diamond.
apprise Apprise is to inform or notify: the officer apprised us of our rights.
Arcane refers to things known and understood by few people: Amanda Lynn
arcane teaches arcane theories of modern music at the college.
archaic Archaic refers to things very, very old and outdated: The Oxford English
Dictionary contains many words that are archaic.
 As may be used as a conjunction that introduce dependent clauses: George talks
as his father does. Informally, it may also be used as a preposition in
as comparative constructions like: Jean-Claude is as forgetful as me (or as I am).
like Like is a preposition is followed by a noun or pronoun: George looks like his
mother. It may also be used as an adjective meaning "similar": George and I
have like minds.
Ascent is an upward movement: Leo's ascent to the presidency of the company
ascent came slowly.
assent Assent means "to agree to": Greta could not begin the project unless
management assented.
An ascetic is a person who renounces all material comforts, often for religious
devotion: the young man lead his ascetic lifestyle despite his parents' plans for
ascetic him. It can also be used as an adjective: Ethan Asia led an ascetic lifestyle.
aesthetic
Aesthetic refers to the philosophy of beauty or the pleasing qualities of
something: The statuette Leander created was lacking in aesthetic qualities.
Ascribe means "to attribute to": She ascribed her feelings of jealousy to
ascribe insecurity.
describe Describe means "to show what something is by drawing a picture with words":
Describe in detail what the man looked like.
Aspersion is slander, a damaging remark: The campaign was filled with one
aspersion aspersion after another.
dispersion Dispersion is the act of scattering: The dispersion of seeds was irregular
because he sowed the seeds by hand.
assent
See ascent, assent.
ascent
Assistance is help or aid: the nurses gave assistance to the patients.
assistance Assistants are more than one assistant, a person who gives help: the emergency
assistants room assistants were ready to help anyone who came through the door. (See
also patience and patients.)
Assure means "to guarantee": He assured her it was a quality item.
assure Ensure means "to make sure by double checking": The custodian ensured the
ensure doors to the school were locked at night.
insure Insure means "to provide insurance": It is wise to insure your house against
flood, fire, or theft.
An auger is a tool used for digging holes: If you want to ice fish, you need to
auger first drill a hole in the ice with an auger.
augur Augur means "to predict, forecast": Leroy's inheritance augured happiness for
him in the future.
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• B•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
bad Bad is an adjective used after verbs like am, feel, is, seem, and become: They
 felt bad. (Using badly here would mean that their skill at feeling is poor).
badly Badly is an adverb used after other verbs: They played badly. Badly can also
mean "greatly": They needed food badly.
Baited usually refers to traps: Baiting deer in order to hunt them is illegal in
baited most states.
bated Bated is seldom used but means "reduced, abated": Jessica bated her pace to let
her running mate catch up.
Bare means "naked": Walking in grass with bare feet is refreshing.
bare
bear Bear is the animal, and also means "to carry": Sherman must bear the burden of
flunking math twice.
Bazaar is an exhibition, market, or fair: The Saturday morning bazaar is worth
bazaar seeing even if you buy nothing.
bizarre
Bizarre means "weird and unworldly": Barry told us a bizarre story last night.
belief Belief is a noun: He had strong beliefs.
believe Believe is a verb: She believes she can do anything.
Beside means "next to": Place the dishes beside the sink.
beside
besides Besides is an adverb or preposition that means "also, additionally": I would
enjoy going on a vacation besides.
Had better is the correct form, used when giving advice that hints at an
better
undesirable consequence if not followed: You had better go to the doctor. Don't
had better
leave out have.
between
See among, between.
among
Biannual is twice in one year: My trip to the dentist is a biannual event.
biannual
biennial Biennial means "every two years": These flowers are biennial; they bloom
every two years.
Bimonthly means "every two months": We order from the co-op bimonthly.
bimonthly
semimonthly Semimonthly means "twice a month (biweekly)": We have our house cleaned
semimonthly.
Blithe, an adjective, means "lighthearted and carefree": A blithe mood
blithe overcomes us in the spring.
lithe Lithe is also an adjective but it means "flexible, graceful, and supple": The lithe
movements of the yoga instructor impressed us all.
Blonde describes women: Brunettes have just as much fun as blondes (blonde
blonde women).
blond Blond describes men: Sean was not a natural blond. This distinction is not
necessary though: blond is now generally accepted for both men and women.
Board means a few things. One is "a long sheet of wood": Hiram had to cut the
board to make the shelves. It also means "a committee": The board of directors
board met to decide the fate of the school. Lastly, it can mean "to get onto": She
bored boarded the ship.
Bored means "not interested": She is bored by the dry lecture.
 A bore is a boring or tiresome person or thing: Jasper is such a bore when he
bore talks about his cats!
boar A boar is a male pig: Wild boars abound in this forest.
boor A boor is an unrefined, vulgar person: What a boor Guy was to get drunk at the
wedding and embarrass everyone.
born Born is newly coming into life: A child was born at 12:01 New Year's day.
borne Borne means "carried": All gossip is borne by an ill wind.
Borrow is to receive something from someone temporarily: to borrow a book
and then return it.
borrow
Lend is a verb that mean "to temporarily give something to someone": Henry
lend
will lend (or loan) Francine a book.
loan
Loan is a noun: a bank loan. Loan is often used in American English as a verb
meaning "to lend": Loan me a book, please.
Braise means "to cook (usually meat) slowly in liquid": Braised meat is usually
braise tender.
braze To braze is to solder or create with metals such as bronze: Shirley brazed a
statue of a famous Civil War leader.
Brake means "to stop": You should brake slowly on ice.
brake
break Break means "to smash": To break a mirror brings seven years of worse luck
than you are having now.
Breath is a noun meaning "the air pulled into the lungs": Take a deep breath and
breath relax.
breathe
Breathe, with an E on the end, is a verb: Just breathe deeply and calm down.
Bridal has to do a bride and her wedding: June May threw her bridal bouquet to
bridal the screaming crowd of single women.
bridle A bridle is a halter or restraint, such as a horse bridle: Old Frosty didn't like the
bridle over his head.
By is a preposition meaning "next to": Park the car by the house.
by
Buy means "purchase": Grandpa buys an ice cream cone every Sunday
buy
afternoon.
bye
Bye means "farewell or good-bye": Bye, now; I'll see you later.
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• C•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
This expression is a nonstandard double negative (hardly is considered
can't hardly negative), so avoid it. It is better to say can hardly: I can hardly hear you over
the noise of the party! Hardly.
Canvas is cloth or fabric: a canvas bag to bring to the beach.
canvas
canvass Canvass means "to conduct a survey or examine thoroughly", or "to seek
votes": She canvassed all the stores before she found the right dress.
capital A capital is where the seat of government is: The capital of the United States is
 Washington DC. Capital can also mean "wealth" or "a large letter".
capitol The Capitol (usually capitalized) is the actual building in which the government
and legislature meets: We will travel to the Capitol this weekend.
Censor is to prohibit free expression: The principal censored all references to
smoking in school publications.
censor
A sensor is something that interprets stimulation: The lights are turned on by a
sensor
movement sensor.
censure
Censure is rebuke, harsh criticism: Morty Skustin was severely censured for
putting the frog in the water cooler.
Cite means "to quote or mention": He cited a famous theorist in his speech.
cite
Site is a noun meaning "a place": At which site will we stage the party?
site
sight Sight is a noun meaning "view": The sight of the New York City skyline is
spectacular.
Climactic refers to the peak: Wendell sneezed right at the climactic moment of
climactic a movie.
climatic Climatic refers to the climate and weather: New Monia is known for its
dramatic climatic changes.
Coarse is an adjective meaning "rough, big-grained, not fine": We need to use
coarse sandpaper to remove the paint from this wood.
coarse
course Course is a noun referring to a direction (the course of a ship) or a series of
lectures on one subject (a history course in college): The poetry course Stu
deBaker took in colldge changed the course of his life.
Collaborate means "to work together": Collaborate with the people on your
collaborate team.
corroborate Corroborate means "to support with evidence" or "prove true": The testimony
was corroborated with evidence of his innocence.
Complement means "to supplement" or "make complete": Their two
complement personalities complement each other.
compliment Compliment means "to praise or congratulate": She received a compliment on
her sense of fashion.
Compose means to "make up" and is often used in the passive voice: The class
is composed of students of several nationalities.
compose
comprise Comprise means "have, consist of, or include": Students of several nationalities
comprise the class. A rule to remember would be that the whole comprises its
parts, and the parts compose the whole.
Concurrent simultaneous or happening at the same time as something else:
concurrent concurrent blizzards in three different states.
consecutive Consecutive means "successive or one after another": The state had three
consecutive blizzards that month.
Conform means "to be similar to": Some schools conform their students by
conform using uniforms.
confirm
Confirm is to make sure or double check: to confirm a flight reservation.
congenial Congenial describes something likeable, suitable to taste: They enjoy the
congenital congenial surroundings in their home.
 Congenital refers to a condition present at birth because of heredity: Raymond
has a congenital heart defect.
Connote means to "imply or suggest": 'Home' connotes warmth and safety.
connote
denote Denote means to "indicate specifically, to mean": 'Home' denotes the place
where you live.
Conscience is the feeling or knowledge of right and wrong: My conscience
conscience wouldn't allow me to compete with someone so much weaker than me.
conscious Conscious refers to being awake and aware: Molly Coddle was still conscious
after banging her head on the headboard.
Continual means "repeated with breaks in between": We need continual rain
continual throughout the summer for crops to grow.
continuous Continuous means "without stopping": The continuous drumming of the rain
on the windows put Herman to sleep.
Convince is to cause another to feel sure or believe something to be true: Well,
convince Argyle Greenpasture has convinced me that aliens do exist.
persuade Persuade is to talk someone into doing something: Percy persuaded me to help
him wash his car.
Co-operation means "working together": I would like to thank you for your
co-operation cooperation with us on the project.
corporation A corporation is a large company: Presidents of large corporations receive tens
of millions of dollars in salary.
Corps (pronounced 'core') is an organization of people dedicated to a single
goal: Lucinda joined the Peace Corps after college.
corps
A core is the center of a fruit containing seeds: Bartholomew eats apples, core
core
and all.
corpse
A corpse is a dead body: The corpse of Danny's dog was lovingly laid to rest in
the back yard.
Correspondence is agreement or written communication such as letters or news
correspondence articles: Phil and Rachel continued their correspondence for years.
correspondents Correspondents are those who write this communication: Rhoda Lott has lived
abroad as a news correspondent for several years.
This expression is often confusing for English language learners. It is always
used with a negative and means that you really don't care at all: Since she was
could not care less
sick, Mona could not care less about doing her homework, or Mona could not
care less which color sweater she wore.
A council is a group of people called together to meet on an issue: The school
board council meets every Thursday evening.
council Counsel is advice: I always go to Clyde for counsel on the tough decision in my
counsel life.
consul A consul is a diplomat appointed to protect the citizens and commercial
interests of one country in another: If you need help starting a business in
France, talk to the US consul in Paris.
creak Creak can be the noun or verb for a squeak or groan: The creak of the
creek floorboards alerted Nell that Bernard was sneaking up on her.
 A creek is a small stream: The kids loved to play in the creek on a hot summer
day.
Credible means "believable or reliable": There is no credible evidence that it
credible was I who broke the lamp.
creditable Creditable means "worthy of praise or respect": I couldn't have broken the
lamp because I have a creditable alibi.
Criterion is singular: There is only one criterion for this job.
criteria
criterion Criteria is plural: Several criteria need to be met in order for us to move
forward.
A custom is a cultural tradition: It is a custom in Japan to remove your shoes
custom when entering a home.
costume A costume is the outfit worn to represent a particular time, event, or culture:
What is your costume for Halloween going to be?
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• D•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
A dairy is a farm where milk and milk products are produced: Madeleine grew
dairy up on a dairy and knows how to churn butter.
diary A diary is the daily journal kept: Rhoda Book writes in her diary for two hours
every night.
Deduction is drawing a general principle from particular facts or instances: I've
seen hundreds of robins and they all have red breasts. (General principle-all
deduction robins have red breasts. )
induction Induction is the explanation of particular facts or instances from a general
principle: That bird must be a robin because it has a red breast. (General
principle-all robins have red breasts. )
denote
See connote, denote.
connote
describe
See ascribe, describe.
ascribe
Desert means "to abandon" (and can also be a noun, meaning "a wasteland"):
desert Cooley deserted his family when they all got tattoos and lip piercings.
dessert Dessert is the sweet course of a meal: The whole family wanted to have cake
for dessert.
A device is an instrument used to perform a task: This device will peel apples
device for you.
devise Devise is to create or invent: They will devise a scheme to continue the
business.
diary
See dairy, diary.
dairy
divers Divers means "several": You can take that statement in divers ways.
 Diverse means "different or varied": There are many diverse cultures in the
diverse
world.
different from Different from is the standard usage when comparing two things: Suzie's
different than sweater is different from Mary's. Don't say, "Different than something else."
Discreet means "modest and prudent": Please be discreet about the surprise
discreet party, we don't want her to find out.
discrete Discrete means "separate and distinct": Even though they were married, they
kept their money in two discrete accounts.
Disinterested is an adjective that means "unbiased or impartial": Since she had
disinterested nothing at stake, she was a disinterested party in the matter.
uninterested Uninterested means "not interested": Anita Job was just uninterested in the
offer.
dispersion
See aspersion, dispersion.
aspersion
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• E•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
e. g. is a Latin abbreviation meaning "for example": Lucille doesn't like fruit,
e. g. e.g. pears, apples, grapes, and bananas.
i. e. i. e. is a Latin abbreviation meaning "that is (to say)": Myrtle had to leave the
room, i.e. she had to go to the bathroom.
Use each other when only two objects are involved: The twins love each other.
each other
one another Use one another in referring to more than two objects: The triplets all love one
another.
These are singular distributive pronouns; use them with a singular verb. Each
each refers to a single individual in a group: Each of us voted differently.
every Every refers to all the members of a group inclusively: Every one of us voted
the same.
effect
See affect, effect.
affect
Elicit is a verb that means "to draw out": The teacher had trouble eliciting
elicit responses from the students.
illicit Illicit is an adjective meaning "illegal or illegitimate": Illicit drugs or illicit
behavior may help you enter jail.
elude
See allude, elude.
allude
An emigrant is a person who leaves his native country to settle in another: The
emigrant emigrants left everything behind in search of something more.
immigrant An immigrant refers is person who moves to a new country: Many immigrants
settle in this country every year.
emigrate Emigrate from means "to leave one's country": Frances emigrated to the US.
 Immigrate to means "to settle in another country": Her family immigrated to
immigrate
the US four generations ago.
Eminent means "of high rank, outstanding, or prestigious": An eminent author
came to read at the university.
eminent
Emanant means "sending or issuing forth": Emanant thoughts like those should
emanant
be kept to yourself.
imminent
Imminent means "close to happening or near": Everyone waited anxiously for
an imminent storm predicted to arrive shortly.
Innervate means "to supply with nerves or vitality": The therapist innervated
enervate the shoulders with massage.
innervate Enervate is to weaken or destroy the vitality of: The negative attitude enervated
her enthusiasm.
Entomology refers to the study of insects: Donald couldn't be afraid of bugs if
entomology he wanted to get a degree in entomology.
etymology Etymology is the study of the history of words and where they come from: The
etymology of mortify goes back to Latin mortuus "dead". is nice.
Etc. is Latin for et cetera and means "and so on": You need to bring plates,
knives, forks, spoons, etc. to the table. It is a good idea, however, to just finish
etc.
the list, not letting it end with etc. But if you must, use a phrase like "and so
on", "and so forth".
Ethereal describes something that is light, airy, and intangible: Ethereal clouds
hovered above; Everything in the ballroom looked ethereal.
ethereal
ephemeral Ephemeral refers to anything lasting for a short period: Truth can be an
ephemeral thing; A creek can be ephemeral if it disappears in the middle of
summer.
Everyone means "each person": Everyone in the room must leave immediately.
everyone
every one Every one refers to each thing or person individually: Felice put every one of
the eggs in the basket.
exceed
See accede, exceed.
accede
except
See accept, except.
accept
Explicit means "clear and direct": Please give me explicit directions.
explicit
implicit Implicit means "indirectly, with some parts understood": They implicitly agreed
to never talk on the subject again.
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• F•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
A fair is an exhibition of farm produce usually with a collection of rides and
fair attractions: Every year our family goes to the state fair.
fare A fare is the fee you pay to ride public transportation: The fare to ride the bus is
affordable in our town.
 Farther has to do with distance: How much farther is it to Poughkeepsie?
farther
further Further means "additional" or "more": Please give me further information
about the best route to Poughkeepsie.
Faze is to distress or disturb: The scrutiny of the media didn't faze Sharon.
faze
phase A phase is a period of development or a period of time in a cycle of events:
Stuart went through a phase when all he did was eat hot dogs.
Few is used when talking about things that can be counted: Lureen has a few
few ideas; also a few keys, few clouds, few values, few diseases.
less Less is used when talking about things that can't be counted: Lureen shows less
perseverance than we expected; also less distance, less pollution, less rain.
Figuratively refers to metaphoric speech, not realistic or exact: To say, "Horace
figuratively died laughing," is to speak figuratively.
literally Literally refers to realistic or exact speech: If Horace literally died laughing, he
must be buried (but it was not such a bad way to go).
These two words both mean "easily set on fire": a highly
flammable
flammable/inflammable substance. However, flammable is now used as a
inflammable
warning to avoid misinterpreting the prefix in- as negation.
Flare is to increase greatly, burn brightly, or something that provides a bright
flare flame: The fire in the grill flared brightly when Eva tossed gasoline on it.
flair Flair refers to a sense of style or a talent: Dutch Masters has a flair for
entertaining a group of men.
To flaunt means "to show off": Maud Lynn Dresser likes to flaunt her jewels at
flaunt parties.
flout To flout means "to show scorn or contempt for": Larry flouts the speed limit in
every state when it suits his schedule.
Forbear means "to refrain from": The children simply could not forbear
forbear laughing in the library.
forebear A forebear is an ancestor or forefather: Our forebears who founded this country
centuries ago.
A foreword is a short introduction at the beginning of a book usually written by
someone other than the author: The foreword of the book explains how its thesis
foreword fits in with current thinking.
forward
Forward is an adverb indicating movement ahead or toward the front: Priscilla
moves forward slowly in the line at the grocery store.
Forth means "forward, from this point": Barry moved forth without looking
forth back.
fourth Fourth indicates an object that comes between No. 3 and No. 5: Dustin Moppet
just finished cleaning the fourth floor.
Foul can means "offensive, rotten, or unfavorable": Foul language, foul meat,
foul and foul weather are unacceptable at a picnic.
fowl Fowl refers to birds, especially domestic ones: Chickens, ducks, geese, and
turkeys are considered fowl.
found Found is the past tense of find: I found my glasses only after I had stepped on
 them!
founded Founded is past tense of the verb found, meaning "to set up or establish": My
ancestors were the ones who founded this country.
Founder means "to run aground": The boat foundered on a shoal in the storm.
founder
flounder Flounder means "to move clumsily, with difficulty" or "to blunder": Gladys
Friday is floundering in college.
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• G•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Gibe means "to taunt, jeer, make fun of": His classmates gibed Billy Earl for
wearing his underwear over his clothes.
gibe Gybe means "to swing a fore-and-aft sail from one side of a sailboat to the other
gybe to change course": When the wind shifted, Felix gybed when he should have
jibe tacked.
Jibe refers to being in agreement: Our views on everything from baseball to
Socrates seem to jibe.
A gorilla is a large ape: Gorillas live in the African tropical forest.
gorilla
guerrilla A guerrilla is a member of irregular military that uses surprise attacks on its
enemy: Guerrilla warfare uses tactics such as espionage, sabotage, and ambush.
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• H•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Hail means "to greet or to come from": She hails from California. Hail also
hail means "balls of ice": Hail damaged the crops.
hale Hale means "sound or healthy": Minnie Miles is hale and hearty enough to run
five miles daily.
Hanged is past tense of hang in the sense of executing someone by using a rope
around the neck: Outlaws in the Old West were hanged when they could be
hanged caught.
hung Hung is the past tense of hang, but is used for things: Lyda Cain's son never
hung up his clothes. Just remember hanged is used for people (Yuck!), and hung
is used for other things.
This is a word used in a negative sense meaning "barely": Lyle could hardly
hardly
keep his eyes open at the lecture by Rhoda Book.
A herd is a group of animals: Nonnie saw a herd of cows in the pasture.
herd
heard Heard is the past tense of hear: Zelda heard the bells ringing for the glorious
leader who had recently died.
here Here refers to the place where you are: You should come here more often.
hear Hear is to listen with the ears: Am I speaking loud enough for you to hear me?
 Heroin is an illicit drug: Heroin is a very addicting substance.
heroin
heroine A heroine is a female hero in real life or in a story: Marge was treated like a
heroine when she delivered the baby in a cab.
Historic refers to something in history that was important: The summit was a
historic historic meeting between the countries.
historical Historical refers to anything in general history: The whole class had to dress in
historical costumes for the play.
Hoard means "to collect and keep for oneself": Squirrels hoard acorns during
hoard the winter.
horde A horde is a large group: Hordes of people go Christmas shopping the day after
Thanksgiving.
hole A hole is a gap or space: A moth made a hole in my sweater.
whole Whole means "complete": Stu Beef ate the whole pizza himself!
Home in is the correct phrase here is when referring to getting closer to a goal
home or target: The missile homed in electronically on the target.
hone Hone means "to sharpen": Denise made a resolution to hone her piano playing
skills.
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• I•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
i. e.
See e. g., i. e.
e. g.
illicit
See elicit, illicit.
elicit
illusion
See allusion, illusion.
allusion
Immemorial refers to that which is beyond time, ancient: These artifacts have
immemorial been here since time immemorial.
immortal Immortal describes things that live forever: The way Randolph drives, he must
immoral think that he is immortal.
Immoral means "not nice, unethical, bad": Stealing is immoral.
immoral
See amoral, immoral.
amoral
immigrant
See emigrant, immigrant.
emigrant
immigrate
See emigrate, immigrate.
emigrate
imminent
See eminent.
eminent, emanant
implicate, imply Implicate means "to closely link or connect": The blood on his hands
 implicated him in the murder.
Imply means "to point to, or suggest indirectly": The victim's friend implied he
thought he knew who the murderer was.
implicit
See explicit, implicit.
explicit
Imply means "to suggest indirectly": Her hesitation implied that her answer was
imply no.
infer Infer means "to draw a conclusion from known facts": He inferred that the
answer was no from her hesitation.
Both of these mean "referring to", but use one or the other: In regard to your
in regard to
proposal I have an idea, or: As regards your proposal, I have an idea. NOT in
as regards
regards to!
Inchoate describes something in an early stage of development, and that is
incomplete: Lucy's plan remained inchoate and was developed no further.
inchoate
incoherent Incoherent describes something that is lacking connection or order: Some even
thought that Lucy's plan was just a few incoherent thoughts that didn't hang
together.
Incredible means "astonishing or difficult to grasp": The incredible power of a
incredible tornado attracts storm chasers.
incredulous Incredulous means "skeptical and disbelieving": She was incredulous about
Fred's interpretation of the event.
induction
See deduction, induction.
deduction
innervate
See enervate, innervate.
enervate
insure
ensure See assure, ensure, insure.
assure
Intolerable refers to something unbearable: The heat during the summer of
2005 was intolerable.
intolerable
intolerant Intolerant refers to a person who is unable to accept differences in opinion,
habit, or belief: Maybelle is intolerant of anyone who chews with their mouth
open.
Regardless is the correct word to use, meaning "without regard": The young
irregardless man left regardless of the warnings.
regardless
Irregardless is a double negative that should be avoided.
Its is the possessive form of it, like hers, his, and theirs: The dog licked its foot
its after stepping in maple syrup.
it's It's is short for 'it is', a contraction of those two words: "Well, I guess it's [it is]
time to wash the dog again."
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• J•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
jibe
gibe See gibe, gybe, jibe.
gybe
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• K•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Avoid these expressions in the sense of "somewhat", "rather" or "a little"
kind of
(especially avoid reducing them to kinda and sorta). The pace of the baseball
sort of
game was rather [not kind of] slow.
Knew is the past tense of know: She knew what she wanted to say but couldn't
knew say it.
new
New means "never used": I ordered a new custom car from the factory today.
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• L•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Latent means "present but not visible or active": Just because I'm not in bed
latent doesn't mean that I don't have a latent virus.
patent Patent means "visible, active, or obvious": The claim that I pinched Marilyn's
tush is a patent lie!
Later means "afterward": Come later than seven o'clock.
later
latter Latter means "the last of two things mentioned": If I have to choose between
brains or beauty, I'll take the latter.
Lay is a transitive verb, which means it takes an object. It means "to set or put
down flat": Gwendolyn laid child in the crib, or Lay a book on the table, please.
Its forms are lay, lays, laid, has laid, and is laying.
lay
lie Lie is an intransitive verb, so it does not take an object. It means "to rest supine
or remain in a certain place": I have to lie down because I'm not feeling well, or
I like to lie in the grass for hours. Its forms are lie, lies, lay, has lain, and is
lying.
Lead can be a verb meaning "to guide, be in charge of": Greg will lead a group
lead this afternoon. It can also be a noun meaning "a type of metallic element": Use a
led lead pencil to fill in your answer sheet.
Led is the past tense of lead: Greg led the group this afternoon.
lend Lend is a verb that mean "to temporarily give something to someone": Lucy
loan will lend or loan Chuck her books any day.
borrow A loan is a noun meaning something borrowed: Most people get a bank loan to
buy a house. Loan is also used in American English as a verb meaning "to lend".
Borrow is to receive something from someone temporarily: Can I borrow the
 book if I promise to return it tomorrow?
less
See few, less.
few
Lessen means "to decrease or make less": She lessened the headache pain with
lessen aspirin.
lesson A lesson is something you learn: A teacher might say, "Today's lesson is about
ancient Egypt."
Liable means "legally responsible for or subject to": Tom is liable to pay for the
damage if he doesn't prove his innocence.
liable
libel Libel is a noun that means "a slanderous statement that damages another
person's reputation": Bertrand was sued for libel for what he printed about Phil
Anders.
Lightening is a verb that means "to reduce the weight of": My course load
lightening needs lightening if I am to complete this course successfully.
lightning Lightning refers to the electrical discharge in the sky: Fred captured the image
of a bolt of lightning on film.
like
See as, like.
as
literally
See figuratively, literally.
figuratively
lithe
See blithe, lithe.
blithe
Loathe is a verb meaning "to detest or dislike greatly": Janice loathes animal
loathe cruelty.
loath Loath is an adjective meaning "reluctant, unwilling": Lance was loath to ask for
an extension on his term paper that semester.
Loose is not tight: A loose-fitting jacket was more suitable than a shawl.
loose
lose Lose is to misplace and not be able to find: I often lose my bearings when
entering a new city. Thank goodness I don't lose my keys though!
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• M•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Manner is a way of doing or behaving: Duane Pipes installed the plumbing in a
manner workman-like manner.
manor
A manor is a house on an estate: The chauffeur drove slowly up to the manor.
A mantel is the shelf above a fireplace, or face of one: Matilda set several
mantel candles on the mantel.
mantle A mantle is a cloak or blanket: Velma grabbed her mantle before heading out
the door.
marital Marital refers to marriage: Bunny and Lance are having marital problems.
martial Martial refers to war or warriors: Bunny has a black belt in martial arts.
 A marshal is an officer of highest ranking; it can mean "to arrange": The
marshal marshal gave orders to the troops.
marshall Marshall is a verb meaning "to together": Marshall marshaled enough strength
to walk past the bar on his way home.
May be as two words means "might be": Your reading glasses may be on the
may be night stand.
maybe Maybe is one word that means "perhaps": Maybe your reading glasses are on
the night stand.
Me is used as a simple object: Susan told my brother and me about her trip to
me Africa.
myself Myself is a reflexive and an emphatic pronoun: I talk to myself [reflexive] or
you can do that yourself [emphatic].
Meet means "to get together or connect with someone, to encounter": Elroy
plans to meet a colleague for lunch.
meet
Mete means "to distribute": We had to mete out the last of the water when we
mete
were still 20 miles from civilization on our hiking trip.
meat
Meat is flesh that may be eaten: Nathan is a vegetarian who doesn't eat meat at
all.
Militate means "to influence toward or against a change": The banality of
militate Rhoda Book's stories militated against their becoming popular.
mitigate Mitigate means "to lessen, make easier, or bearable": A cold compress on your
leg will mitigate the swelling.
Mordant is bitingly sarcastic: Everyone hated Raymond's mordant comments.
mordant
trenchant Trenchant means "forceful and keen": Raymond received trenchant criticism
from everyone for his comments.
most
See almost, most.
almost
Mute means "having no sound or without speech": He was struck mute by the
horror of the events.
mute Moot as a noun is a public meeting; as an adjective, the more common usage,
moot means "open to debate" in the UK and "not open to debate" in the US. It is most
often used in the phrase moot point: When Walter walked in, the question of
who was going to pick him up became moot.
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• N•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
No means "the opposite of yes": They all said no in response to the latest
no referendum.
know To know is to understand are realize: I don't want to know how you got up the
tree.
noisome Noisome means "disgusting, offensive, and potentially harmful": A noisome
noisy smell arose from the garbage can.
 Noisy means "making a lot of sound or racket": With so many children, it
became a noisy day care center.
Nonplussed is often misused in the sense of "calm and unbothered". The actual
nonplussed meaning is "confused or bewildered": She was nonplussed by her husband's
unusual behavior.
nowhere
See anyway, anywhere, nowhere; anyways, anywheres, nowheres.
nowheres
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• O•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Obeisance is respect and homage paid someone: Farina greeted the queen with
obeisance sincere obeisance.
obsequious Obsequiousness is submissiveness and an eagerness to obey: The
obsequiousness of the waiter made them roll their eyes.
Obtuse means "lacking quickness of wit or sensitivity, dull, dense": Brandon is
obtuse so obtuse he doesn't even know when he is being insulted.
abstruse Abstruse means "too difficult to understand for the average mind": The
professor presented an abstruse metaphysical concept that went over our heads.
one another
See each other, one another.
each other
Overdo is to exaggerate something: Marcy overdoes her makeup every morning
and she ends up looking like a clown.
overdo
overdue Overdue indicates something that has missed its deadline: You must return
these overdue books to the library immediately, or A visit to our grandparents is
long overdue.
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• P•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
To pamper is to coddle, or treat with indulgence: The only time my mom
pamper pampers me is when I'm sick.
pander To pander is to cater to the base needs of others, to sell out: Senator
Throckmorton got elected by pandering to special interest groups.
Passed is the past tense of pass, to go by or move ahead of: The boys passed
passed through town quickly.
past Past is a place in time that was before now: You would be wise to reflect on the
past and learn from it.
A pasture is a place where farm animals graze: Al Falfa puts his cows out into
pasture the pasture every morning.
pastor A pastor is a member of the clergy, a minister of a church: Noah Sarque is the
pastor of the local Baptist Church.
patent
See latent, patent.
latent
Patience is the ability to remain calm even when dealing with someone or
something difficult: The teacher showed infinite patience for the students
patience struggling with the reading material. (See also assistance and assistants.)
patients
Patients are people who are sick in a hospital: The nurse had several new
patients to get to know that week.
Peace is a sense of calm and absence of war or hostility: We all hope for peace
peace throughout the world.
piece A piece is a part or segment of something: Helen Highwater lost a piece of her
jewelry in church last Sunday.
To peek is to look quickly without someone knowing: The child peeked inside
the gift.
peek To pique is to arouse or provoke: Muriel's comment piqued Abner's curiosity.
pique Pique can also be used as a noun meaning "resentment": Sedgewick felt a bit of
peak pique at the association of his name with their real estate scheme.
A peak is the highest point of something: Chastity decided not to drive to the
top of Pike's Peak during the peak summer vacation season.
To peer is to squint and gaze strongly at: Melvin had to peer through fog to
keep the car on the highway.
peer a peer is an equal: Farnsworth didn't consider anyone his peer when it came to
pier the game of tiddledy winks.
A pier is a walkway that juts into a body of water for docking: to he docked his
boat at the end of the pier.
Penultimate means "the next to the last (the ultimate)": Little did Al Pacca
penultimate know that the penultimate shrimp he ate was the one that gave him food
ultimate poisoning.
Ultimate is the last or best: I found the ultimate gift for Gary this year.
A perspective is a view from a certain place or position or a mental outlook:
The perspective from this building is spectacular, or Lydia Potts has a wonderful
perspective perspective on life considering the fact that she has 12 kids.
prospective
Prospective is an adjective that means "possible, likely to happen": We have
several prospective opportunities before us.
persuade
See convince, persuade.
convince
phase
See faze, phase.
faze
Piquant means "pleasantly tart or spicy": This restaurant serves a piquant salsa
piquant that is absolutely delicious.
pique To pique is to arouse or provoke: Grunella piqued Vern's curiosity with her
question. (See also peek.)
plain Plain means "simple not showy" or "a large level region": It was plain to see
plane that Vanessa loved Conway, or Bowser's farm was on a great plain where wheat
grew well.
 A plane is a flat and level surface, a new level, or an airplane: To understand the
equation of a plane surface in mathematics you have to reach a new plane of
consciousness. Franklin landed the plane successfully.
A portent is a noun meaning "an omen or prophetic sign of the future": Ivan
Oder took falling out of bed that morning as a portent of a greater disaster in the
portent future.
potent Potent is an adjective meaning "strong and powerful": Arnold was a potent
man, even at seventy, but could not handle the potent martinis Bella Donna
made.
To pour is to dispense liquid from one container into another: She poured some
pour milk into the glass.
pore A pore is to study or read intensely: Hilda pored over the materials nightly.
pore Pore also means "a small opening in skin through which moisture or air
moves": Pores are all over our bodies.
Practical refers to being easily used and put into practice: A Swiss Army knife
practical has many practical uses.
practicable Practicable means "feasible or possible": It is not always practicable for a busy
person to use this tool.
The verb precede means "to come or go before, in front of": The flower girl
precede preceded the bride in the procession down the aisle.
proceed Proceed means "to move forward": Both the flower girl and the bride proceeded
down the aisle at the same time.
A premise usually means "assumption": Since the basic premise was wrong, all
premise the conclusions based on it were wrong, too.
premises Premises are a house or building and the grounds around it: Smoking is not
allowed on the premises.
Presence means "the state of being near": April's presence was comforting in
presence Rod's time of sorrow.
presents
Presents are gifts: The greatest gift is to let someone give you a present.
A principal is the head of a professional business or school: The principal of
principal the middle school is a woman of principles.
principle
A principle is a belief: I avoid school principals as a matter of principle.
Profit is the money earned above the expense it took to complete the project:
Ghislaine and Pierre made a $100,000 profit when they remodeled and sold
profit their house.
prophet
A prophet is a person who can foretell the future and through which a divine
presence speaks: Atheism is a non-prophet religion.
Profligate is to be wasteful and extravagant: Esmeralda is so profligate that she
profligate spent the entire million dollars she won in the lottery in one year.
prolific Prolific means "abundant, fruitful, producing much": John Grisham is a prolific
writer.
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• Q•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Quiet means "without sound or mention of": You are supposed to be quiet in
hospitals and libraries.
quiet
quite Quite can mean either "completely or somewhat, rather", depending on what
you mean: I was quite alone that Saturday afternoon (completely) but the hours
passed quite quickly (rather).
Quote is a verb meaning "to state the exact words someone else said": The
pastor quoted scripture from the Bible or Carmen quoted a famous psychologist
quote in complaining to the boss.
quotation
A quotation is the actual statement being quoted: Gretchen read a quotation
every day.
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• R•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Rain is the water that falls from the sky: Dingwell didn't have sense enough to
come in out of the rain.
rain Reign is the rule of a king of queen: King Wilhelm reigned with an iron fist to
reign keep peace in the land.
rein A rein (usually plural, reins) are the straps of leather used to control and guide a
horse: No matter how hard Reginald pulled on the reins, the horse would not
slow down.
Raise means "to build or grow": The farmer raises corn. The Amish will raise
raise the walls of a building by noon.
raze
Raze is to destroy: The school was razed and a new one built in its place.
Real is a variant of really used in dialectal areas (like the Southern US) where
adverbs are not distinguished from adjectives: She sings real good, in standard
real English is: She sings really well.
really
Really is an intensifying adverb: Gwendolyn was really tired after playing
outside all day.
Reality means "the perceived world as it is, the true situation": She could not
reality tell the difference between reality and fantasy.
realty
Realty is land or real estate: Realty in large cities is markedly expensive.
A rebate is a discount from the manufacturer to the customer after a purchase
rebate has been made: The $600 computer cost only $69.43 after all the rebates.
refund A refund is a full repayment to a dissatisfied customer: Mildred returned her
girdle and demanded a full refund.
Regimen is a systematic plan: Sylvia is undergoing a regimen for a healthier
regimen lifestyle.
regiment
Regiment is a troop of soldiers: The army is made up of several regiments.
residence A residence is where people live, the house or building: The mayor's residence
residents is located in the center of the city.
 The residents are the people who live there: The residents of the community
thinks the mayor's residence is to luxurious.
Respectable means "deserving respect or on good behavior": Mother always
told us to be respectable in public.
respectable
Respectful refers to showing respect: Be respectful of the people around you,
respectful
especially if they have sticks.
respective
Respective means "individual and appropriate": The summer camp kids were
shown to their respective cabins.
Respectfully means "politely and with respect": Mel Pew always dealt
respectfully with each and every customer.
respectfully
respectively Respectively refers to the order in which things are given: I gave Wallace and
Linda blue and green socks, respectively, means that I gave Wallace blue socks
and Linda green ones.
Restive means "impatient and nervous, restless": Cory became restive once he
restive knew the boss was going to call him into his office.
restful Restful means "full of rest, calm, quiet, and restorative": A restful vacation in
Indonesia was just what the doctored ordered.
To retch is to try and vomit: Furman retched several times after swallowing a
retch bite of Lurleen's liver pudding.
wretch A wretch is a miserable or wicked person: I didn't believe she could be such a
wretch.
Rifle means to search with the intention of stealing or taking: The mugger rifled
rifle Clarissa's purse looking for cash.
riffle To riffle means "to shuffle or flip quickly through papers": Bill riffled the card
deck before dealing.
Right means "correct": She always knew the right thing to say.
right
A rite is a ceremony: Final rites for the deceased were held in the church.
rite
write To write is to express oneself in writing: Rhoda Book writes everyone about her
publishing career.
Rise is intransitive and does not have an object: The sun rises in the east.
rise
raise Raise always has an object: You can raise a crop on a farm or raise your hand in
class.
Road is a long path or street to travel on: Lucille tries to stay on a main road
road wherever she travels.
rode
Rode is past tense of ride: Matilda rode her bicycle over a cliff by accident.
A role is a part in a play or movie: Marjorie's favorite role of her entire movie
career was that of the quirky neighbor in Keep your Doors Locked. It can also
role mean "a function of": Marjorie's role in removing the insignia from the police
roll car door was minor.
Roll is a verb meaning "to turn over and over": Diane rolled the flat tire into the
garage.
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• S•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
A sale is a noun meaning "the selling of something": Every car sale means a
sale commission for the salesman.
sail A sail is the material used to catch wind on a boat: The sail billowed in the wind
as Jacob's boat slid across the water.
A sale is a noun meaning "the selling of something": Every car sale means a
sale commission for the salesman.
sell To sell, the verb, is to offer goods for consumption at a cost: Seth sells his
pottery at art fairs.
Sanguine means "red, ruddy or optimistic": I am not sanguine about your
sanguine getting this job.
saturnine Saturnine means "being moody, sullen, or melancholy": Ima Aiken falls into a
saturnine mood every time her husband Hadley goes away on business.
scene Scene is a place or view: The scene of the crime was just outside his window.
seen Seen is past tense of see: I have seen that movie three times already.
A seam is where two pieces are joined: The seam of Leticia's dress ripped when
seam she bent over.
seem
To seem is to appear or look as if: Leticia seemed unhappy when that happened.
semimonthly
See bimonthly, semimonthly.
bimonthly
sensor
censor See censor, sensor, censure.
censure
Sensual refers to physical, especially sexual, pleasure: Derry Yare wears
sensual sensual dresses to attract men.
sensuous Sensuous refers to anything artistic that appeals to the senses or appetites:
Marguerita had prepared a sensual feast for her guests.
A serf is a slave or servant: Neil Downe came from a family of serfs but rose to
serf become a landlord.
surf To surf is to ride the waves of water, or to search on the Internet: The surf is up
down at the beach; ou can surf the Internet some other time.
Set is a transitive verb meaning "to put or place something solid somewhere":
Marvin set his new lamp on the table.
set Sit means "to rest upright with the weight on the buttocks or to move into such
sit a position"; the past tense is sat: Percy sat down beside Geneva on the park
seat bench.
Seat can be a verb meaning "to show someone their seat or where to sit": The
waiter seated Murgatroyd at his usual table by the door.
sever Sever means "to cut through completely": One blow from Jessie's hatchet
severe severed the rope.
 Severe means "strict, hard, extreme": Severe winter weather came early this
year. There was a severe tone in Marilyn's voice when she berated Todd for
putting the tack in her chair.
Shear means "to cut off": We shear sheep's wool in the spring and we shear the
hedges in the summer.
shear
sheer Sheer means "pure, unadulterated": Felicity found the amusement park a sheer
pleasure. Sheer also means "transparent": Perry Winkle hung sheer curtains in
the living room.
A shore is a beach: to spend a vacation on the shore. It also means "to brace or
shore support": They shored up the leaning wall with steel beams.
sure Sure means "without doubt": Maria was sure about the decision to move to
another country.
Singly means "one by one": The fire drill required everyone to leave the
singly building quietly and singly.
singularly Singularly means "extraordinarily, in an outstanding manner": He singularly
fought the rebels off one by one.
site
sight See cite, site, sight.
cite
Sleight of hand refers to dexterity and trickery with the hands: The magician's
sleight-of-hand sleight of hand fooled the audience.
slight-of-hand This phrase is often confused with slight of hand, an adjective phrase meaning
"having small slender hands".
Sole means "single": The sole remaining person in the room left, leaving it
empty. It also means the bottom of a foot or shoe: Gigi needed new soles on her
sole shoes.
soul
A soul refers to the spirit of a living creature: Do you believe animals have
souls?
Some time refers to a considerable period of time: I need some time to think
about it.
some time
Sometime refers to an indistinct or unstated time in the future: I'll see you
sometime
around sometime.
sometimes
Sometimes is an adverb meaning continually, off and on, occasionally: Karen
sometimes drinks coffee instead of tea.
Stationary means "still and unmoving": The cat was stationary until it was time
stationary to pounce on its prey.
stationery Stationery refers to writing materials such as paper: Craig took out his best
stationery to write to his beloved Charlotte Russe.
A statue is a carved or shaped imitation of an object: There is a statue of a large
statue bird is in her garden.
statute A statute is law: The government publishes new statutes each year.
stature Stature means "status, standing": Chester Drors is a man of substantial stature
in state politics.
storey Storey is the British spelling of story when this word refers to a floor of a
 building: The upper storeys of the building comprised apartments. The US
spelling of this sense of the word is also story.
story A story is a tale related in speech or writing by someone. In the US, it is also
the spelling used to refer to the floor of a building: My home is three stories
high.
Straight is an adjective that means having "no bends or curve"s: Pimsley's
straight walking cane is as straight as an arrow.
strait A strait is a narrow channel connecting two bodies of water: The Bering Strait
lies between Alaska and Siberia.
Supposedly means "reputedly" or "likely to be true": Sam is supposedly the
supposedly greatest waterboy in the football team's history.
supposably Supposably means "can be supposed": The best solution to the problem is
supposably to ignore it. (However, this word is seldom used.)
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• T•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Taut is a literary word that means "tight": Hold the string taut while I mark the
taut line.
taught Taught is the past tense of teach: Kenneth taught etiquette and good manners
for several years.
A tenant is someone who rents property: A new tenant moved into the vacant
tenant apartment last week.
tenet
A tenet is a principle: The major tenets of all religions are similar.
Than is used to compare: Philippa Byrd thinks she is smarter than any of us.
than
then Then is a word to describe a time that is not now: I prefer Friday; it would be
better to meet then because then I will be ready.

their Their is possessive of they: The twins left their books at home.
there There refers to a place that is not here: We will be there in two hours.
they're They're is a contraction for they are: They're going to a concert tonight.
theirself
theirselves Only themselves is correct as a reflexive or emphatic pronoun: They gave
themself themselves all the credit for the rescue.
themselves
Although these two words are pronounced the same, threw is the past tense of
the verb throw, meaning "tossed, hurled in the air": Morty threw the keys to the
threw car to McKinley.
through Through is a preposition meaning "entering the inside of something and
coming out the other side": Chuck accidentaly threw a rock through Miss
Conception's living room window.
throes Throes are severe pains or difficult times: Wade Rivers found it difficult to
throws listen to his iPod in the throes of battle.
Throws is the plural or present tense of throw: Several throws later, Bud Light
 managed to put a wad of paper in the trash can from his desk.
Til is a contraction of the preposition until: I won't see you til tomorrow. Only
til one L.
till Till is a verb meaning "to cultivate": My Uncle Emmet tills about half the land
on his farm and herds cattle on the rest.
To is a preposition meaning "toward": We go to the lake every summer. It also
to serves as the infinitive particle for verbs: I want to stop confusing words.
too Too means "also": I'd love to go with you, too.
two Two is the number between one and three: We have two options: hire a divorce
lawyer or a mortician.
Torpid means "unresponsive, lacking alertness": Prunella tried to elicit answers
from the torpid students in front of her.
torpid
turgid Turgid means "very ornate and decorative": The author's turgid writing style
lost my interest quickly. It can also mean "swollen and bulging": Turgid veins
covered her legs.
Tortuous means "winding, crooked, with many twists and turns": Wiley Driver
was very adept at driving the tortuous mountain roads of western North
tortuous Carolina.
torturous
Torturous means "very painful, like torture": Mick Stupp found doing math
homework torturous.
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• U•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
undoubtedly These three words may be used interchangeably, meaning "sure, without a
undoubtably doubt": Mildred was undoubtedly| undoubtably|indubitably the best ballet
indubitably dancer of all time.
uninterested
See disinterested, uninterested.
disinterested
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• V•
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
A vane is blade that rotates: I don't know how hard the wind blew; it blew the
weather vane off the roof.
vane
Vain means "fruitless, hopeless, or without result": Bertie harbors a vain hope
vain
of becoming a world-class ice skater.
vein
Vein refers to the tubes that carry blood back to the heart: The veins are usually
smaller than the arteries.
venal Venal means "corruptible, money-grubbing, likely to accept bribes": Chris
venial Cross is a man so venal he charged his mother for taking her to the hospital.
Venial means "easily forgiven": The judge dismissed the venial crimes and
 focused on the theft of the chocolates.
Verses is plural of verse, a line of poetry: several Emerson's verses were recited
verses that evening.
versus Versus means "in comparison or opposition to": The benefits of having a cell
phone versus not having one depend on the individual.
vicious Vicious means "cruel and mean": A vicious dog attacked the young boy.
viscous Viscous means "thick and sticky": Honey and tar are viscous substances.
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• WXYZ •
WORDS DEFINITIONS & EXAMPLES
Waist refers the (often) narrow area of a human body between the hips and ribs:
waist We often wear a belt around our waist.
waste Waste is garbage, or waste can be a verb meaning "to use carelessly": You
shouldn't waste food and you should recycle waste paper.
Wary means "leery and cautious": The customer became wary when the
wary salesperson said he would personally guarantee the TV set for 100 years.
weary Weary means "tired and worn": After a day of harvesting corn, the farmer was
very weary.
To wave is to move back and forth; a wave is a swelling in a body of water due
to movement: Helen Highwater waved her hand to the boat rocking in the
wave waves.
waive
Waive means "to give up, not require or ask for": Never waive your right to a
lawyer.
Weak is not strong: Finley gave a weak performance; maybe because he has a
weak weak mind.
week Week refers to the names of the seven days, from Sunday to Saturday: I go to
the ice skating rink once a week.
Wear is a verb (wear, wore, worn) meaning to have clothing on: Maud Lynn
Dresser always wears gaudy evening gowns on formal occasions.
wear Ware is an article of merchandise, a product (usually used in the plural): The
ware potter displayed her wares on a beautiful stand made by her husband.
were
we're Were is past tense of are: Maud and her fiance were at the ball last weekend.
We're is a contraction for we are: We're going to the ball this weekend so
maybe we'll see them.
Weather has to do with climate: I hope we have beautiful weather for my
weather daughter's wedding.
whether Whether means "if" and is used only inside sentences: I don't know whether to
bring an umbrella or not.
Wet is full of moisture: We had to dry out the wet sleeping bag on our camping
wet trip after a sudden storm.
whet
Whet is to stimulate or arouse: Smelling the stew whetted her appetite.
 Which means "what particular choice": Which witch put the spell on you?
which
witch A witch is a person who believes in or practices magic: Not all witches have
warts on their noses (some have them on their chins).
who's Who's is a contraction for who is: Who's going to vote today?
whose Whose is the possessive of who meaning "of whom": Whose tickets are these?
wont Wont means "used to": Maggie was wont to getting everything her way and
won't cried when she didn't.
Won't is a contraction for will not: Maggie won't be getting every toy she wants
this Christmas.
your Your is possessive for you: Your idea is fantastic!
you're You're is a contraction for you are: You're the most treasured person in my life.