Prescribe means to set down a rule or to order something. The labor law prescribes a standard 40-hour workweek. Perhaps the doctor can prescribe a more effective drug. Proscribe means to condemn, forbid, or prohibit something. The Food and Drug Administration proscribed Laetrile years ago.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Premise and Premises
Premise refers to an assumption or a supposition. He understands the basic premise of public relations. Premises refers to a house, building, grounds, or other property. Finding the right office premises may improve productivity.
Difference between Premier and Premiere
Premier, as an adjective, means first in importance. As a noun, it means a chief government executive. That is one of the premier magazines on the newsstands today. The premier of that country invited us to his palace for dinner. Premiere means opening night or first public showing. We attended the premiere of “The Phantom […]
Difference between Predominant and Predominate
Predominant, an adjective, means the most common or conspicuous. The predominant view is that he is the best athlete ever. Predominate, a verb, means to prevail or wield greater power or quantity. The good will of the people definitely predominates in this town. Note: Older dictionaries list the words as synonyms if used as adjectives.
Difference between Preclude and Prelude
Preclude means to make impossible or to rule out. Her sore throat will preclude her from singing tonight. Prelude is an action that acts as an introduction to an event. Their actions seemed to be an ironic prelude to disaster. Prelude is also a short musical selection that serves to introduce a larger musical selection. […]
Difference between Precipitate and Precipitous
Precipitate, as an adjective, means rash or sudden. Their precipitate entry into the dot com market led to a disaster. Precipitous means very steep. Video conferencing is leading to a precipitous decline in travel.
Difference between Precedence and Precedents
Precedence refers to priority, rank, or an act of coming before. The need for safety took precedence over all other matters. Precedents refers to previous actions that serve as examples. A few decisions established precedents for the pursuit of justice.
Difference between Precede and Proceed
Precede means to go before something. The national anthem precedes all of our baseball games. Proceed means to go ahead with an action. Click here if you wish to proceed to the next step.
Difference between Practicable and Practical
Practicable means capable of being put into practice. Considering the budget, is it practicable to build a new arena? Practical means useful, sensible, or worth being put into practice. The plan contains practical measures for improving traffic flow.
Difference between Posterity and Prosperity
Posterity refers to all of a person’s descendants. He lived meagerly so his posterity could enjoy a better life. Prosperity refers to wealth or success. After the factory was built, the city enjoyed a new prosperity.
Difference between Possible and Probable
Possible means it could happen or be done. It’s possible the hurricane could hit New York by next week. Probable means it is likely to happen. It’s probable the hurricane will hit the Carolina coast today.
Difference between Portend and Pretend
Portend means to indicate beforehand. An increase in downsizing could portend a tough job market. Pretend means to make believe, profess, or disguise. Children like to pretend sometimes that they are adults.