Category Archives: Lexical Vexations
Flounder vs. Founder
Lexical Vexations flounder 1. v. to move about with difficulty, often losing one’s footing. 2. n. a fish. founder 1. v. to sink or succumb. 2. n. one responsible for beginning a venture or organization. Words in the Wild: The first … Continue reading
Wet vs. Whet
Lexical Vexations wet 1. adj. soaked with or coverd by liquid. 2. v. to cause to be soaked with or covered by liquid. whet v. to sharpen, both literally (as in to whet a knife) and figuratively (as in to … Continue reading
Defuse vs. Diffuse
Lexical Vexations defuse v. to disarm a bomb or, more metaphorically, a tense situation. diffuse adj. spread or scattered over an area. Words in the Wild: There wouldn’t have been a diffuse pink mist in the room if the secret … Continue reading
Allude vs. Elude
Lexical Vexations allude v. to reference indirectly. elude v. to escape or evade. Words in the Wild: Whatever Prof. Dobson was alluding to in his mention of academic misconduct seemed to elude Sarah’s notice altogether—she continued to copy the contents … Continue reading
Systematic vs. Systemic
Lexical Vexations systematic adj. following a devised plan in a methodological way. systemic adj. relating to a complex but cohesive system. This was originally a term specific to the body (ex. systemic infection) but is now used to describe other … Continue reading
Than vs. Then
Lexical Vexations Today’s post was requested by reader Elaine, who writes, “Please add ‘Then vs Than.’ Then refers to a time element; than is used in a comparative sense.” As you can see Elaine has a lockdown on this tricky … Continue reading
Ordinance vs. Ordnance
Lexical Vexations ordinance n. a municipal regulation. ordnance n. military supplies, esp. artillery Word in the Wild: If you’re researching your next move and the city’s website keeps mentioning various municipal ordnances, you may want to consider moving somewhere a … Continue reading
Eek vs. Eke
Lexical Vexations eek interj. an expression of fright or surprise. eke v. to extract with great toil; often used in the phrase eke out. Words in the Wild: Sharon opened her latest credit card statement with trepidation, and when she … Continue reading
Rout vs. Route
Lexical Vexations rout 1. n. a terrible defeat; 2. a rabble or mob; 3. a disturbance. route n. path, road, course. Words in the Wild: Despite intensive training the Mighty Slugs suffered a crushing rout at their first cricket match … Continue reading