Continuance refers to the duration of a state or condition. Her continuance in office depends on the November election. Continuation refers to the resumption of something. Today’s meeting is just a continuation of yesterday’s meeting.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Continual and Continuous
Continual means repeatedly, but not necessarily without interruptions. Jane continually ignores her boss’ requests for more coffee. Continuous means constantly or without interruptions. The border runs continuously from the river to the mountains.
Difference between Conterminous and Contiguous
Conterminous means contained within one boundary. The conterminous United States excludes two states: Alaska and Hawaii. Contiguous means sharing a boundary or touching. The suburb of Oak Park is contiguous with Chicago.
Difference between Contentious and Controversial
Contentious means argumentative or quarrelsome. The measure was defeated after a contentious House debate. Controversial refers to subjects being arguable or debatable. They extended the deadline on the controversial change.
Content vs Context
Content refers to what’s inside and context refers to a setting. My quote in the paper was taken out of context (not content).
Difference between Contemptible and Contemptuous
Contemptible means worthy of contempt or deserving scorn. The board thinks Keith’s treatment of the intern is contemptible. Contemptuous means expressing a feeling of contempt. They risk disciplinary action for making contemptuous remarks.
Difference between Contagious and Infectious
Contagious refers to diseases spread through physical contact. If you deal with contagious diseases, disinfect your hands well. Infectious refers to diseases spread through air, water, etc. We are exposed to chemicals and infectious diseases. Note: In figurative use, these words can be synonymous. Her optimistic and humorous mood is infectious (or contagious).
Difference between Consul, Council and Counsel
Consul is an official representing one’s country in another country. A new consul was appointed last week for the Republic of Chad. Council is a group appointed or elected to make decisions. Most cities and towns have a council that governs certain areas. Counsel, as a noun, is an attorney; as a verb, it means […]
Difference between Consistently and Constantly
Consistently means steadfast, unwavering, or without change. Airline tickets consistently rank among the most popular Internet items. Constantly means unceasing, perpetual, or without interruption. In a constantly changing technical world, training is essential.
Consequent vs Subsequent
Consequent means following as a direct result. Her great evaluation and consequent pay raise made her day. Subsequent means occurring after. Subsequent to the installation, my desktop icons do not load.
Difference between Conscience and Conscious
Conscience means a sense of right and wrong. His conscience didn’t bother him when he fired his friend. Conscious means to be aware of something or to be awake. I made a conscious decision to practice my tuba lessons daily. Though he hit his head, he was conscious after the accident.
Difference between Connote and Denote
Connote means to imply or suggest something. His actions connote he is unhappy living there. Denote means to indicate or refer to specifically. We were just taught the symbol for pi denotes the number 3.14159. Note: Connote and denote are preferable to connotate and denotate, which are considered obsolete.