Eclectic means the best of something from many sources. With music from Bach to the Beatles, the show was clearly eclectic. Esoteric means confined to or understood by just a few people. The author’s use of esoteric language can deter the reader. Exoteric means suitable for all. She designs and writes books for an exoteric […]
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Eastward and Eastwards
Eastward is preferred in American usage.
Difference between Earthen, Earthly and Earthy
Earthen refers to being made of earth. Over the fire hangs a big earthen pot, the kind Indians used. Earthly refers to being of this world. Per his last request, his earthly remains were scattered at sea. Earthy refers to being down to earth, crude, or unrefined. The speaker’s earthy expressions pleased the rebellious crowd.
Difference between Each other and One another
Each other refers to two persons or things. The interior and exterior colors complement each other. One another refers to more than two persons or things. Videoconferencing allows the diplomats to see one another.
Difference between E-Business and E-Commerce
E-Business refers to conducting general business on the Internet. E-Commerce refers specifically to the buying and selling of goods and services on the Internet.
Difference between Dwarf and Midget
A dwarf is a very short person with disproportionate body parts, and a midget is a very short person with proportioned body parts. Because these two words have fallen out of favor, prefer the terms short person or little person.
Difference between Duck tape and Duct tape
Duct tape is the correct phrase. We told them to use duct tape to seal the doors and windows.
Difference between Dual and Duel
Dual refers to something in a pair. After you install the dual carburetors, open the throttle half way. Duel is a formal battle or contest intended to settle a dispute. “Duel of the Titans” is a film about Romulus and Remus.
Difference between Drowned and Drownded
Drowned is the correct word.
Difference between Downward and Downwards
Downward is preferred in American usage.
Difference between Downfall and Drawback
Downfall refers to the destruction of something. The Russian Revolution led to Czar Nicholas II’s downfall. Drawback refers to a flaw or problem of some kind. Their plan to camp there had one drawback: too many gnats.
Difference between Down the pike and Down the pipe
Down the pike is the correct phrase. It means something is going to happen. The Pike was originally a huge entertainment area at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Fair goers would commonly say, There’s always something new coming down the Pike.