Hara-kiri is Japanese suicide by slitting the belly, and Kamikaze is Japanese suicide by crashing an aircraft on the enemy.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Hapless and Hopeless
Hapless refers to being unlucky or always experiencing unfortunate things. It was heart breaking to see the hapless flood victims. Hopeless refers to despair or simply having no hope at all (a pessimist). What appeared hopeless, we now see light at the end of the tunnel.
Difference between Hanged and Hung
Hanged means executed by hanging. The five conspirators in the Lincoln assassination were hanged. Hung means suspended. The Christmas stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Note: Some word authorities accept hung as meaning executed.
Difference between Hangar and Hanger
A hangar is a building that houses things like airplanes, and a hanger is a device used for hanging items like clothes.
Difference between Handsome and Hansom
Handsome means dignified in appearance or being generous. He looked handsome in his new Easter outfit. A handsome reward is being offered for the dog’s return. Hansom is a two-wheeled horse-drawn covered carriage with the driver’s seat above and behind the passengers. They took a ride throughout the village in an old hansom.
Difference between Half-mast and Half-staff
Half-mast refers to a flag’s position when flown on ships or at Naval stations. Half-staff refers to a flag’s position when flown ashore.
Difference between Hairbrained and Harebrained
The correct word is harebrained, meaning having no more sense than a hare (rabbit).
Difference between Had ought to and ought to
Had ought to is incorrect. Just the phrase ought to is sufficient. He ought to have gone to the party instead of staying home.
Difference between Habitant, Habitat and Inhabitant
Habitant and inhabitant both mean a person or animal who lives in a given area. Few habitants (inhabitants) of that area escaped the storm. Habitat is the environment of a person, animal, or plant. Johnny supports organizations that conserve habitat for wildlife.
Difference between Guarantee and Guaranty
Guarantee, a noun or verb, refers to assurance or security. The store offers a one-year guarantee on the used appliance. The manufacturer guarantees the stove for one year. Guaranty, a noun, also means assurance or security. The salesperson’s record is a guaranty of his honesty with clients.
Difference between Grisly, Gristly, Grizzled and Grizzly
Grisly means ghastly or gruesome. The prosecutor painted a grisly picture of the event. Gristly means composed of or containing gristle. The children gave the dog the gristly end to chew. Grizzled means partly gray or streaked with gray. Our leader today is a grizzled veteran of many mountain climbs. Grizzly is a bear. The […]
Difference between Greave and Grieve
Greave is the medieval piece of armor covering the lower leg. Before battle, the greave was fastened to the knight’s leg. Grieve means to cause distress or sorrow. When notified of his termination, he began to grieve.