Eminent means distinguished, famous, or prominent. Eminent scientists have serious concerns about the coral reefs. Immanent means inherent or present within the universe. The theologian suggests that God is immanent in all life forms. Imminent means about to happen or threatening. The bidders tell us the government contract award is imminent.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Emigrant, Immigrant and Migrant
Emigrant is one who leaves one’s country to settle in another. The emigrants spent a few weeks aboard ship before landing. Immigrant is one who enters and settles in a new country. Many immigrants are looking for jobs in the metropolitan area. Migrant is one who travels about, especially in search of work. The migrants […]
Emerge vs Immerge vs Immerse
Emerge means to come out, rise up, or come forth. More vacation time may emerge from the contract talks. Immerge and immerse mean to plunge into or submerge. Immerge (immerse) the knee in ice to minimize the swelling.
Difference between Elusive and Illusive
Elusive means hard to catch, grasp, or define. Director Stanley Kubrick remained an elusive figure to the press. Illusive means deceptive or unreal. David Copperfield amazes audiences with his illusive magic tricks.
Difference between Elicit, Illegal and Illicit
Elicit means to bring out or draw forth. The band’s performances always elicit praise from the critics. Illegal means unlawful. It is illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving. Illicit means unlawful or prohibited. The council fined the firm because of its illicit activities.
Difference between Elegy and Eulogy
Elegy refers to a poem of lament or praise for a dead person. Walt Whitman wrote a famous elegy on the death of Lincoln. Eulogy refers to speech or writing in praise of someone, usually dead. Earl Spencer wrote a moving eulogy to his sister, Princess Diana.
Difference between Elapse and Lapse
Elapse means to pass by or slip away. How much time elapses before the officials make a decision? Lapse means to drift or discontinue. The magazine subscription lapses unless you renew it soon.
Difference between Either and Neither
Either means one or the other but not both of two things. It’s either higher taxes or some cutbacks. Neither means not one and not the other of two things. Under the new agreement, neither party may transfer its rights.
Difference between Egress and Ingress
Egress refers to the legal right of a property owner to leave leased property. Ingress refers to the legal right of the property owner to enter leased property.
Difference between Effeminate and Feminine
Effeminate refers to a man with womanly traits. His long nails and long hair make him look effeminate. Feminine refers to characteristics of a woman or girl. The house colors would probably appeal to the feminine crowd.
Difference between Effective, Effectual, Efficacious and Efficient
Effective means impressive, in effect, or producing a result. The band put on an effective performance at Saratoga. The new fiscal calendar is effective as of next month. The talks were effective in gaining peace within a few days. Effectual, like effective, means sufficient to produce a desired effect or result. “Effectual steps for the […]
Difference between Eek and Eke
Eek is simply a noise one makes when frightened. Eek! A bat just flew in their house. Eke means to obtain something usually with difficulty. For years he tried eking out a living on his low salary.