Ecology refers to relationships between organisms and their environment. Last semester the class studied the ecology of the jungle. Environment refers to conditions that surround an organism. Many fear that nuclear waste can hurt our environment.
Detraction vs Backbiting vs Calumny vs Slander vs Scandal
Detraction, backbiting, calumny, slander, scandal are comparable when they denote either the offense of one who defames another or casts aspersions upon him or what is uttered by way of defamation or aspersion.
Deterioration vs Degeneration vs Devolution vs Decadence vs Decline vs Declension
Deterioration, degeneration, devolution, decadence, decline, declension are comparable as meaning either the process of falling from a higher to a lower level or the state of a thing when such a falling has occurred.
Difference between Eclectic, Esoteric and Exoteric
Eclectic means the best of something from many sources. With music from Bach to the Beatles, the show was clearly eclectic. Esoteric means confined to or understood by just a few people. The author’s use of esoteric language can deter the reader. Exoteric means suitable for all. She designs and writes books for an exoteric […]
Difference between Be sold on someone and Be sold out to someone
be sold on someone—(U.S. coll.) be accepted by a person as worthy: When we first moved in, our neighbors seemed cold and unfriendly, but now we are sold on them. Cf.: be sold on something—be persuaded to recognize the worth or desirability of smth.: Parliament, and presumably the citizens, were sold on the idea of […]
Difference between Eastward and Eastwards
Eastward is preferred in American usage.
Detach vs Disengage vs Abstract
Detach, disengage, abstract mean to remove one thing from another with which it is in union or association.
Difference between Be soft in the head and Have a hard head
be soft in the head—(coll.) be foolish or mentally retarded (also: be weak in the head): One of the curses of being a science-fiction writer is that unsophisticated people assume you to be soft in the head. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be weak-minded—be not firm or resolute enough: […]
Difference between Be set on doing something and Be set to do something
be set on doing something—be determined to do smth.: Roberts was outraged, and thereafter he and Nieuwendyk were set on leaving the team. be set to do something—be ready and prepared to do smth.: We were set to enjoy the weekend in a deluxe room overlooking Downtown Disney.
Difference between Earthen, Earthly and Earthy
Earthen refers to being made of earth. Over the fire hangs a big earthen pot, the kind Indians used. Earthly refers to being of this world. Per his last request, his earthly remains were scattered at sea. Earthy refers to being down to earth, crude, or unrefined. The speaker’s earthy expressions pleased the rebellious crowd.
Destroy vs Demolish vs Raze
Destroy, demolish, raze mean to pull or tear down.
Difference between Be seated and Be unseated
be seated— 1. (imper.) is used as an invitation to sit down: Thank you all for being here today and please be seated. 2. be placed in a chair or other seat: Once they were seated in her office, she started to explain the problem. 3. be established in a position of power or authority: […]