Epigram is a short humorous saying. Oscar Wilde wrote the epigram: “I can resist everything except temptation.” Epigraph is a brief quotation at the beginning of a book or an inscription on a monument, statue, or building. The epigraph to E. M. Forster’s novel Howards End is “Only connect!” Epitaph is a tribute to a […]
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Envy and Jealousy
Envy means to desire something another person has and show resentment at the person having it. She gazed at his neighbor’s house with envy. Jealousy is a resentful suspicion that someone else has what rightfully belongs to the jealous person. The favored treatment of the son created jealousy in the daughter.
Difference between Enviable and Envious
Enviable means worthy of envy. John Glenn has an enviable place in space travel history. Envious means showing envy. Some pilots are envious of John Glenn’s mark on space travel.
Difference between Envelop and Envelope
Envelop, a verb, means to enclose or surround. The mountain range was enveloped by raging fires last summer. Envelope, a noun, is the flat paper container for a letter. The special invitation arrived yesterday in a red envelope.
Difference between Enure and Inure
Inure, meaning to get used to something undesirable, is preferred in American usage. We live in the woods, so we are inured to power outages.
Difference between Entrust and Intrust
Entrust is preferred in American usage. They entrust our firm with the management of their affairs.
Difference between Entomology and Etymology
Entomology is the study of insects. Etymology is the study of word origins.
Difference between Entitled and Titled
Entitled means to have the right to something. Because she is the songwriter, she is entitled to the royalties. Titled refers to the name of a publication, speech, or musical piece. Their first musical piece this evening is titled, “The Voice.”
Difference between Enthused and Enthusiastic
Enthused is not popular with writing experts. Use enthusiastic. The students are enthusiastic (not enthused) about the new school.
Difference between Enthral and Enthrall
Enthrall, meaning to captivate, is preferred in American usage. Tom’s second spy novel enthralled us more than his first novel.
Difference between Enquire and Inquire
Inquire is the preferred spelling, but either is acceptable.
Difference between Enormity and Enormousness
Enormity means immensely outrageous or wicked. The enormity of the defendant’s crimes surprised the entire jury. Enormousness refers to an object’s large size. The enormousness of the new county facility amazed us.