Confusing Words Clarified: Group E; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, etc. +(lists of "E" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)All of the main entries in these "Confusing Words" groups are explained, or defined, followed by pronunciations, and sentences which are meant to enhance your understanding of their meanings. The definitions provided are based on dictionary presentations and are meant to help you differentiate between the various meanings of each word group. Many current dictionaries, popular writing books, specialized topical resources, and style guides were consulted for these groups so you can develop better word skills and communication tools.
In your daily writing, be aware of what the "right words are for the correct meanings" so you can improve your writing accuracy in a positive way. A great deal of effort has been devoted to help you grasp the meanings of over 1,700 word groups (or more than 5,100 entry words in the sections) which may be confusing to you so you can utilize them with greater accuracy in your communications. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome by writing to: E-mail Contact (just click it for an e-mail form) or by typing, words@wordinfo.info, as the address in your e-mail heading. If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.entry, entrée
entry (EN tree)
1. A door or gate allowing one to enter a space: "The entry to the house was through the double doors."
2. A record or accounting of a fact or event: "The entry in the journal was helpful for the students of history." entrée (AHN tray, ahn TRAY)
The main or featured dish at a meal: "The entrée for the evening meal was a finely prepared salmon."
envelop, envelope
envelop (in VEL uhp)
As a verb, to wrap around; to cover completely; to conceal, to hide: "In a play about Mozart, he is visited by someone who chose to envelop himself in a dark cape so as to be unrecognizable."
envelope (EN vuh lohp, AHN vuh lohp")
As a noun, a cover or a paper wrapper holder for a letter: "Don't forget to put a stamp on the envelope before you mail it."
envy, covet, desire
envy (EN vee)
Angry or resentful awareness of the advantages enjoyed by another person or people: "The envy the older brother felt about the fact his brother was able to go to university often upset him."
covet (KUV it)
To wish for or to desire something that belongs to another individual: "As long as she could remember, she was told by her mother not to covet her sister’s bright red hair."
desire (di ZIGHR)
To hope or to express a wish for something: "In my heart of hearts, I desire a rich and famous boy friend."
epic, epoch
epic (EP ik)
Typically a story or writing describing the legendary and heroic events and happenings of a period in history: "The father read a story to his children about the epic of a particular cowboy."
epoch (EP uhk, EE puhk")
A time in history that is set off by specific events or happenings: "The creation of the printing press marked the beginning of the epoch of literacy for many Europeans and future generations around the world."
epigram, epigraph
epigram (EP i gram")
A wise or witty saying: "Benjamin Franklin knew how to present an epigram about many topics and so he was famous for his numerous epigrams."
epigraph (EP i graf")
1. An engraved or carved inscription on something; such as, a statue or building: "The epigraph over the entry to the building gave the date when it was built."
2. A quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, or section of a book, usually related to its theme: "There is an appropriate and amusing epigraph located every so often in this dictionary." epitaph, epithet
epitaph (EP uh taf")
Something written or said in memory of a dead person; especially, words written on a gravestone:
"Here lies Pecos Bill He always lied He once lied loud He now lies still." epithet (EP uh thet")
1. A term used to characterize, or to describe, a person or thing: "His charitable works have earned him the epithet 'Mr. Philanthropy'."
2. An offensive word or name that is used as a way of abusing or insulting someone or others: "There was a group of angry people hurling one epithet after another at each other." An epitaph is sometimes a statement that tells monumental lies or epithets above about the person who lies below. equable, equitable
equable (EK wuh buhl, EE kwuh buhl)
Lacking in extreme variation or difference: "She demonstrated an equable temper despite the circumstances."
equitable (EK wi tuh buhl)
Fairness, lacking in favoritism: "Their mother was always equitable with distributing treats and discipline."
era, error
era (IR uh, EHR uh)
A point in time from which an event or significant period in history is marked: "The popularity of the automobile marked the beginning of an era of expanding transportation options for people."
error (EHR uhr)
An act or situation based on unintentionally inaccurate information: "The bank clerk noticed an error in the balance sheet of the customer."
erasable, irascible
erasable (i RAYS uh b'l)
That which can be removed from something as with an eraser: "The formula which was written on the blackboard was erasable as soon as it was solved."
irascible (i RAS uh b'l)
Easily angered; quick tempered: "My neighbor has an irascible disposition."
erect, eruct
erect (i REKT)
1. Being in a vertical, upright position: "The judges’ posture was strong and erect."
2. To construct by assembling: "The farmers all got together to erect the new barn after the fire." 3. To raise to a rigid or upright condition: "The gardener was careful to tie the flowers in an erect position so they would bloom better." eruct (i RUKT)
To belch: "His mother always reminded him it was not polite to eruct or belch in public."
erotic, erratic
erotic (i ROT ik)
Suggestive of sexual interest or desire: "The ancient prints in the museum depicted the deities of antiquity enjoying erotic interests."
erratic (i RAT ik)
Characterized by no fixed course of action or purpose: "When she was very tired, her driving skills were erratic and dangerous."
erratum (s), errata (pl)
erratum, singular (i RAH tuhm, i RAY tuhm)
An error in a publication discovered after the publication has been printed; the correction of which is made available on a separate sheet: "The publisher called attention to the erratum in the book by including the correction on a blue sheet of paper."
errata, plural (i RAH tuh, i RAY tuh)
A list of corrections of errors in a publication: "I noticed on page #3 in the introduction that there was an errata as indicated by the book publisher."
eruption, irruption
eruption (i RUP shuhn)
An incidence of violent explosion: "The eruption of the volcano took everyone by surprise."
irruption (i RUP shuhn)
A violent incursion or sudden invasion: "The irruption of the population of rats in the city caused the health officials to be very concerned."
especial, spacial, special
especial (i SPESH uhl)
Distinctive, noteworthy, personal, of special significance: "In the speech, the college president paid especial attention to the awards the research department had achieved."
spacial (SPAY shuhl)
A description of the three dimensional spaces in which objects have relative direction or position: "To be a competent artist, you need to have a good sense of spacial relationships."
special (SPESH uhl)
Unusual and readily distinguishable from other objects or individuals or events: "The two little girls were special friends and played together all the time."
eunuch, unique
eunuch (YOO nuhk)
A man who have been castrated: "It is said that Cleopatra employed several eunuchs as private servants."
unique (yoo NEEK)
Unequaled, distinctive, one of a kind; typically used without qualifying modifiers: "The color of her eyes was unique and enchanting."
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