Linage refers to the number of lines of printed material. The newspaper charges its advertisers by ad size and linage. Lineage refers to ancestry, line of descent, or derivation. The family could trace their lineage to the 14th century.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Limit and Limitation
Limit refers to a physical or political boundary. They say there may be no limit to how long people can live. Limitation refers to a restraint or restriction. Some states have a limitation on cell phone use in cars.
Difference between Like how, Like in and Like when
Avoid these phrases because like is a preposition and should be followed by a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun. They dressed as (not like how) they did in the 1970s. They dressed like (not like in) disco dancers from the 1970s. Jim does things for the poor, like (not like when) serving free meals.
Difference between Lightening and Lightning
Lightening means making lighter. John can never be accused of lightening the workload. Lightning is an atmospheric electrical charge. If you are not careful, golf clubs can act like lightning rods.
Difference between Ligament and Tendon
A ligament is the strong connective tissue that connects bones or cartilage at a joint. A tendon is the fibrous tissue that connects the muscle to the bone.
Liable vs Libel vs Lible vs Slander
Liable means legally responsible or likely. You will be liable for any damage caused. The court ruled he could not be held personally liable for his wife’s debts. We’re all liable to make mistakes when we’re tired. The bridge is liable to collapse at any moment. Libel is damaging someone’s reputation in print or other […]
Difference between Levee and Levy
Levee is a formal reception or an embankment. The new consul was introduced at a levee near the embassy. After the levee broke, the town quickly evacuated. Levy, as a verb, means to impose, enlist, or begin war. The court could levy a fine for misappropriating the funds. They are going to levy troops from […]
Difference between Lessen and Lesson
Lessen means to diminish or become less. My broker says bond funds may lessen investment risk. Lesson is something to be learned. The new software helps teachers make detailed lesson plans.
Difference between Lessee and Lessor
Lessee refers to a lease holder or tenant. The lessee makes the rental payments on the 15th of every month. Lessor refers to a lease grantor or landlord. The lessor keeps full ownership rights of the apartment.
Difference between Lend and Loan
Lend is a verb. Please lend me $20. Loan is a noun. The $20 is a gift not a loan. Note: Although careful writers maintain this distinction, it is common to see lend and loan used interchangeably as verbs.
Difference between Legislator and Legislature
Legislator refers to a lawmaker. The legislator proposed a law that limits tobacco sales. Legislature refers to a group of lawmakers. The election brought 10 new members to the city legislature.
Difference between Legation and Ligation
Legation refers to the premises occupied by a diplomatic minister and staff. The French legation is the residence of the chargé d’affaires. Ligation refers to binding or applying a ligature (as in surgery). Ligation and stripping is a surgery used on varicose veins.