Masterful means domineering or powerful. General George Patton was a masterful soldier and leader. Masterly means highly skilled. His spring concert was a masterly performance of Bach.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Masseur and Masseuse
Masseur is a male massage therapist, and masseuse is a female massage therapist.
Difference between Marked and Remarkable
Marked means clearly defined and evident. We noticed that Jack has a marked limp when he walks. Remarkable means extraordinary or worthy of notice. We noticed a remarkable improvement in Gerry’s grades.
Difference between Marital and Martial
Marital refers to marriage. The couple tried to resolve their marital difficulties. Martial refers to battle, military life, or war. The president declared martial law.
Difference between Many and Much
Many refers to countable items or units. Many students volunteered their time for the charity. Much refers to noncountable items or units. Low-octane fuel caused much of our car trouble.
Difference between Mantel and Mantle
A mantel is a shelf (mantelpiece). The couple placed a prized piece of art over their mantel. A mantle is a cloak or something that covers like a cloak. This morning a mantle of fog hung over the valley for hours.
Difference between Manner and Manor
A manner is a way of acting or the way in which something is done. His manner of speaking and delivery is quite articulate. A manor is a mansion or the principal residence on an estate. The village’s houses range from manor houses to quaint cottages.
Difference between Maniac and Manic
Maniac is a crazy person, and manic is a clinical term referring to mania, excitement, or some psychological affliction (manic depression).
Difference between Majority and Plurality
Majority means more than 50 percent. The majority of the country favored last year’s tax cut. Plurality means the most of something, even if it is less than 50 percent. Clinton won the Presidency with a plurality of the votes.
Difference between Magnificent, Magniloquent and Munificent
Magnificent means grand or splendid. The Hearst Castle has a magnificent view of the ocean. Magniloquent means colorful, extravagant, or lofty in speech. My professor’s magniloquent talks are entertaining but confusing. Munificent means extremely generous. The celebrities gave a munificent donation to the relief effort.
Difference between Magnate and Magnet
Magnate is a powerful person (usually in business). The shipping magnate donates money to cancer research. Magnet is a person or thing that exerts attraction. The low cost of living there is a magnet for the retired.
Difference between Macrocosm and Microcosm
Macrocosm is any large, complex entity and microcosm is a miniature representation of something.