Confusing Words Clarified: Group G; Homonyms, Homophones, Homographs, Synonyms, etc. +(lists of "G" sections that are organized into what for some people are confusing groups of words)A great example of confusing wordsOnce upon a time in the unknown past, at a dinner party in Texas, a man from South America was telling about his country and himself, concluding with "And I have a sympathetic wife but unfortunately, no children. My wife, she is unbearable." Those who were listening greeted his statement with puzzled glances, so he tried to explain: "My wife, she is inconceivable." Noticing from the bewildered looks of the guests that this didn't clarify the matter, he finally explained with a triumphant smile: "I mean, my wife, she is impregnable." Never use big words where a diminutive one will suffice. If you have any problems understanding the pronunciation symbols, go to this Pronunciation Chart for clarifications.gays, gaze
gays (GAYZ)
A reference to people who have a sexual orientation to people of the same sex: "The flag that the gays like to display is of rainbow colors."
gaze (GAYZ)
To look steadily, intently, and with fixed attention: "Over a romantic dinner, she gazed into his eyes intensely."
The friends and families of the participants like to gaze at the gays in their outrageous costumes for the Halloween Parade in West Hollywood. geek, freak
geek (GEEK)
A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept: "He admitted that his great interest in computer activities rather than socializing with people might make some people think of him as a geek."
freak (FREEK)
1. A thing, or occurrence, that is markedly unusual or irregular: "A freak of nature produced a midsummer snow storm."
2. Highly unusual or irregular: "It was a freak accident which resulted from a freak storm." gel, jell
gel (JEL)
A colorless or slightly yellow, transparent, brittle protein formed by boiling the specially prepared skin, bones, and connective tissue of animals used in foods, drugs, and photographic film: "I wonder how many people would continue to consume jel as a desert if they know where it comes from."
jell (JEL)
To take shape or fall into place; to crystallize: "He said that a plan of action was able to finally jell in his mind."
generic, genetic
generic (juh NER ik)
1. Relating to a whole group or class: "The term flu is sometimes used as a generic term for any illness caused by a virus."
2. Not sold or made under a particular brand name: "They are selling generic drugs at a lower price than the better known brands." 3. In biology, a class, group, or kind with common attributes; the more general class or kind in which something is included: "In the short story, the author made generic references to animals rather than to specific dogs or cats." genetic (juh NET ik)
Relating to, or influenced by the origin or development of something: "The police used genetic material at the scene of the crime to identify the man as the culprit."
The Swedish beauty said that her daughter's generic features could not be attributed to genetic inheritance. genes, jeans
genes (JEENZ)
Functional hereditary units that occupy a fixed location on a chromosome: "The doctor specialized in the study of the genes of his male patients."
jeans (JEENZ)
Pants made of jean or denim trilled cotton: "Originally designed for gold prospectors, jeans rapidly became very popular for all hard working individuals."
genius, genus, genre
genius (JEEN yuhs)
Talent; a great mental capacity and inventive ability; especially, great and original creative ability in some art, science, etc.: "The girl showed great genius for engineering."
genus (JEE nuhs)
A class, kind, sort: "A Swedish scientist defined the genus of plants, helping to categorize the different plants."
genre (ZHAHN ruh)
A kind, or type, as of works of literature, art, etc.: "The famous author specializes in the genre of short stories."
Genius begins great works; labor alone finishes them. A genius is a man who shoots at something no one else can see and hits it. genteel; gentile, Gentile; gentle
genteel (jen TEEL)
Showing the good taste and refinement associated with polite society; elegant or fashionable: "Her genteel manners made her a welcome guest for any event."
gentile, Gentile (JEN tighl)
Anyone who is not of the Jewish faith or is of a non-Jewish nation: "People who are gentiles often shop on Saturday when observant Jewish people do not."
gentle (JEN t'l)
1. Suitable to polite society; that is, refined, courteous, etc.: "Her gentle voice was pleasing."
2. Not violent, harsh, or rough: "The waves on the lake were gentle and did not cause the boat to rock dangerously." gesture, jester
gesture (JES chuhr)
Movement of body parts, arms, hands, to communicate information: "The man used a gesture to indicate in which direction we should go to catch our bus."
jester (JES tuhr)
Someone who acts in a foolish manner attempting to be witty or playful: "In medieval castles, a jester was often employed to entertain guests."
The court jester made a rude gesture that amused the king. ghastly, ghostly
ghastly (GAST lee)
Terrifying, frightening, horrifying, or extremely unpleasant: "When the car windows were opened, the passengers wanted to know what the ghastly smell coming from outside was."
ghostly (GOHST lee)
1. Characterized by a shadowy, spectral appearance: "It felt as if there were a ghostly presence in the room."
2. A hint or a shadowy trace of something: "A ghostly smile flickered across his face at the discomfiture of his guests when a wail echoed through the building." gibe, jibe, jive
gibe (JIGHB)
To taunt or to tease in a derisive manner: "The man made a gibe at the speaker which resulted in the person being led away by ushers."
jibe (JIGHB)
1. To move forcefully from one side of a position to another: "The sailors had to jibe the sails on the ship so it would changed course.
2. To be in agreement: "Your position on the issues does not seem to jibe with your earlier statements." jive (JIGHV)
Foolish, informal, or deceptive speech; often characterized by slang: "She grew up talking street jive."
gild, guild
gild (GILD)
1. To cover with gold or gold coloring: "The jeweler was able to gild the antique necklace for her customer."
2. To give an often deceptively attractive or improved appearance to: "In order to sell his house quickly, the owner decided to gild the front door with a new coat of paint." guild (GILD)
An association of persons of the same trade or pursuits, formed to protect mutual interests and maintain standards: "The bakers’ guild met every month to determine the price of bread."
gilt, guilt
gilt (GILT)
Covered with a brilliant substance such as gold or artificial gold color: "The picture frames appeared to be gilt making them look very expensive."
guilt (GILT)
Feelings of responsibility for real or imagined offenses: "When the car stalled, I had such an awful feeling of guilt because the car ran out of gas."
gist, jest
gist (JIST)
The essence or main point of a matter: "Her opening speech at the inquest provided the gist of the issues to be reviewed."
jest (JEST)
A frivolous comment made to communicate mockery rather than precise truth: "His jest about the speaker was considered to be in poor taste."
glacier, glazier
glacier (GLAY shuhr)
A large section or body of ice on a hillside or mountain that is characterized by a slow and inexorable movement downhill: "The glacier moved slowly down the mountain and pieces broke off when it got to the ocean."
glazier (GLAY zhuhr)
Someone who cuts and fits glass; such as, for doors and windows: "After the window was broken, she called the glazier to come and repair it as soon as possible."
glance, glimpse
glance (GLANS)
1. A quick, often oblique, look at something: "The actor cast a quick glance at the noisy group in the balcony."
2. To strike the surface of an object in an awkward or oblique manner: "When the children threw the rocks, they glanced off the side of the barn and didn't hurt anyone." glimpse (GLIMPS)
A brief, quick look at something: "As the train rushed through the countryside, it was difficult to get more than a glimpse of the pastoral settings."
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