Regime, a noun, refers to a government, usually an authoritarian one. The country underwent regime change on its own terms. Regimen, a noun, refers to a therapeutic treatment, usually including diet and exercise. The benefits of a daily fitness regimen are endless. Regiment, as a noun, refers to a military unit or large group of people; […]
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Refrain and Restrain
Refrain means to choose not to do something or partake of something. The students were asked to refrain from leaving class early. Restrain means to immobilize by force or forbid an action. The nurses had to restrain the patient in order to avoid injury.
Difference between Reeking havoc and Wreaking havoc
Wreaking havoc is the correct phrase. The power surges are wreaking havoc with our new computer.
Difference between Recur and Reoccur
Recur is the preferred word.
Difference between Recourse and Resort
Recourse refers to turning to someone or something for help. What recourse do online shoppers have today? Resort, as a noun, is something you turn to after all other options have failed. As a last resort, I contacted the police. Resort, as a verb, means to have recourse. Because of the accident, he had to […]
Difference between Rebuff, Rebut, Refute and Repudiate
Rebuff means to snub or reject someone. We offered to help with the cleanup, but he rebuffed us. Rebut means to argue against something. Unless the board rebuts the proposal, the idea is accepted. Refute means to prove something is false. The defense team refuted much of the earlier testimony. Repudiate means to reject or […]
Difference between Rebound and Redound
Rebound means to bounce or spring back. The company’s stock price rebounded after the news hit. Redound means to contribute or lead to something. Her exceptional performance redounds to the company’s benefit.
Difference between Ravage and Ravish
Ravage means to destroy or devastate something. Fires continued to ravage the western states for many weeks. Ravish means to carry off by force or overwhelm with emotion. In the novel, the king’s daughter was ravished by her captors. The beauty of the Canadian sunset ravished the travelers.
Difference between Raucous and Ruckus
Raucous, an adjective, means loud or rambunctious. It’s not unusual for them to throw a raucous party once a month. Ruckus, a noun, means a fight, disturbance, or commotion. Authorities are more interested in stopping the ruckus than in finding the culprit.
Difference between Rational and Rationale
Rational, an adjective, means having or exercising the ability to reason. Is it rational to believe that life exists on other planets? Rationale, a noun, refers to an explanation or basic reason. We do not understand the rationale for selling the business.
Rarely ever
Avoid this phrase. Just use rarely by itself. Rarely (not rarely ever) do we hire someone without a degree.
Difference between Rare and Unprecedented
Rare means uncommon or unusual. Exposure to uranium is a rare cause of lung cancer. Unprecedented means without previous example. They faced a refugee crisis on an unprecedented scale.