A perennial is a plant that grows for many years. Annals is a compiled record of events. An annual is a plant that grows for just one year (or season).
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Percent, Percentage and Percentage point
Percent is specific and is usually used with a number. They expect to reduce their workforce by 15 percent. Percentage is not specific and is never used with a number. The reduction affects a small percentage of engineers. Note: Percent should be spelled as one word (not per cent). Also, percent is becoming accepted without a […]
Difference between Per say and Per se
Per se, meaning as such or intrinsically, is the correct phrase. Partisanship per se does not preclude political action.
Difference between People and Persons
People and persons are generally interchangeable, but people is the preferred word. Persons may be considered overly formal or haughty.
Difference between Penultimate and Ultimate
Penultimate means next to last. Next week is the penultimate week of the fall semester. Ultimate means last or superlative. The ultimate fate of Atlantis is unknown. Mary prepared the ultimate apple pie for my birthday.
Difference between Peccable and Peccant
Peccable means capable of sinning. “A frail and peccable mortal.”—Sir Walter Scott Peccant means guilty of sinning. Opening the skull to relieve peccant humors was once common.
Difference between Peak, Peek and Pique
Peak, as a noun, means summit; as a verb, it means maximize. Those records show Gracie is at the peak of her running career. At what age did you peak in your running career? Peek means to peep or snoop. Peek into the window to see if Karol and Jo have left the house. Pique […]
Difference between Peaceable and Peaceful
Peaceable means inclined to peace. The men met in a peaceable spirit to resolve their differences. Peaceful means tranquil. We are committed to making a safe and peaceful environment.
Difference between Patience and Patients
Patience refers to the ability to wait. Patience is a virtue we should all practice. Patients are people under medical treatment. Most patients can expect some relief within two to four days.
Difference between Pastoral and Pastorial
Pastoral is the correct word.
Difference between Passport and Visa
A passport is an official government document that certifies a person’s identity and citizenship and permits travel to another country. A visa is an official authorization stamped on a passport that permits a person’s entry into and travel within a country.
Difference between Passed and Past
Passed is the past tense of pass. The House and Senate passed electronic signature bills. We passed that town on the way to St. Louis. Past refers to time or distance (and can never be a verb). The film covers computer history, from the past to the present. We drove past that store yesterday.