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.evade, invade
evade (i VAYD)
To avoid in a dexterous manner, turn aside, baffle: "He tried to evade telling the truth by giving ambiguous answers to the police."
invade (in VAYD)
An encroachment with the intent to take over, conquer, or to plunder: "The weeds in the field will invade the garden unless they are cut down."
ever, never
ever (EV uhr)
1. At all times; always: "He was ever hoping that he would strike it rich."
2. At any time: "The crime rate is higher now than it has ever been." 3. To a greater degree: "Technology in recent years has become ever more sophisticated." never (NEV uhr)
Not ever; on no occasion; at no time: "He had never been there before."
"You never can be sure about much of anything these days." every day, everyday
every day (EV ree DAY)
Each day or daily: "At school the students have two breaks every day."
everyday (EV ree DAY)
1. Ordinary, typical, or usual: "It rained so often it seemed like an everyday occurrence."
2. Something that is used or seen daily; suitable for daily use: "Don't let the problems of everyday life affect you to such a degree that you are emotionally upset." everyone, every one
everyone (EV ree wun")
An inclusive word referring to every person or individual: "The invitation to the fete was issued to everyone in the village."
every one (EV ree wun")
Every individual without exception: "The children noticed that every one of the kittens had blue eyes."
everything, every thing
everything (EV ree thing")
Inclusive of all that relates to a subject or topic: "The boy wanted to know everything about the butterflies in the garden."
every thing (EV ree thing")
Every single or individual object: "They were told to do every thing listed on their schedule and not to miss one item."
evils, weevils
evils (EE vuhlz)
1. Things that are morally bad or wrong; wickedness: "Why are there so many evils caused by people against others?"
2. Things that are causes or sources of suffering, injuries, or destruction: "The social evils of poverty and injustice still exist on a global scale." weevils (WEE vuhlz)
Any of numerous beetles, especially the snout beetle, that characteristically have a downward-curving snout and are destructive to nuts, fruits, stems, and roots: "The weevils practically destroyed most of the almond trees in our area this year."
As for evils, I try to eliminate the weevils in my orchards. evoke, invoke, revoke
evoke (i VOHK)
To summon, call forth, or recollect: "Seeing the valley served to evoke strong memories of growing up in the mind of the tourist."
invoke (in VOHK)
To solicit or to request help or support: "In ancient mythology, the priests would invoke the deities to protect the sailors on the seas."
revoke (ri VOHK)
To take back, to annul, or to recall: "Their father decided to revoke his permission for the children to go swimming and they went to the movies instead."
evolution, revolution
evolution (ev" uh LOO shuhn)
Process of change, typically involving development from a less complex status to a more complex one: "The evolution of childhood is marked by many opportunities for fun and learning."
revolution (rev" uh LOO shuhn)
1. An unexpected, fundamental, and radical change, often in relation to a political context: "The student revolution on the university campus surprised everyone."
2. A measure of time for a celestial body to complete the orbit around its axis: "The approximate revolution of the earth around the sun is 365 days." evolve, devolve
evolve (i VOLV)
To produce by natural change and development: "The expectations of the residents of the city in terms of services usually evolve over time."
devolve (di VOLV)
The change of power and authority from a central power or governing body to that of a more local center: "The corporation decided to devolve the control of sales from the head office to the local authorities."
exalt, exult
exalt (ig ZAWLT)
1. To glorify and to praise: "The songs they sang each morning served to exalt the beauty of the day."
2. To raise in rank, character, or status: "His reputation for good works will exalt his character in the eyes of his neighbors." exult (ig ZULT)
To be in high spirits or to rejoice greatly: "I could only exult at the good news from my publisher."
exceed, excel
exceed (ik SEED)
To go beyond typically established guidelines or limits: "Suddenly I noticed I was about to exceed the speed limit near the school."
excel (ik SEL)
To surpass, to be superior in achievement: "The twins appeared to excel more when they were singing together than when they sang solo."
exceptionable, exceptional
exceptionable (ik SEP shuh nuh buhl)
Liable to be objectionable or offensive: "The teachers attempted to censor the exceptionable passages in the new novel assigned to the students."
exceptional (ik SEP shuh nuhl)
Differing from the norm, either better than average or worse than average: "There was an exceptional amount of rain this summer and as a result, the rivers ran very high."
excerpt, extract
excerpt (EK surpt")
1. As a noun; a carefully selected literary passage, usually small or short: "As part of her speech to the doctors, the nurse read an excerpt from her medical text."
2. As a verb; to extract, to select, to take out, or to quote passages from a book, etc.: "When you decide to excerpt a passage from a book or text, be sure to credit it properly; otherwise, you might be accused of plagiarism." extract (ik STRAKT)
Usually a large selection from a literary passage: "Her job was to write the extract from the exciting new novel for the book review."
exclude, exude
exclude (ik SKLOOD)
To restrict or to prevent participation or involvement in a situation or activity: "The new rules were designed to exclude pets from living in the apartment building."
exude (ig ZOOD, ik SOOD)
1. To show off in an effusive manner: "She seemed to exude good humor and charm."
2. To spread out in all directions: "The spilled oil seemed to exude all over the garage floor." exclusive, inclusive
exclusive (ik SKLOO siv)
Restricted limited use or possession by a small group and/or individuals: "The tennis court appeared to be for the exclusive use by the members of the private club."
inclusive (in KLOO sive)
1. Covering or including everything: "The bill submitted to the accountant was inclusive, not leaving out a single item."
2. Open to everyone; not limited to certain people: "We joined the inclusive club because we wanted to meet all kinds of people from various cultures."
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