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.
Lectern vs Podium vs Pulpit vs Rostrum
You stand behind a lectern or pulpit and on a podium or rostrum.
Difference between Leave and Let
Leave means to allow to remain or to go away. If you leave the book with me, I’ll be sure to read it. If you leave quietly, no one in the library will be disturbed. Let means to allow or to permit. Please let me help you with your chemistry homework. Note: When leave or […]
Difference between Learn and Teach
Learn means to acquire information or knowledge. This computer game helps people learn how to read. Teach means to impart knowledge or information. Some English teachers still teach how to diagram sentences.
Difference between Lean and Lien
Lean, as an adjective, means having a low fat content. As a verb, it means to incline. Venison is lean compared with many meats we have eaten. Do not lean against the door of the train. Lien means a legal claim to something. The bank has a lien against their vacation home in New Jersey.
Difference between Leak and Leek
Leak refers to the escape or passage of something. All of the water leaked out of his canteen while he was hiking. Leek refers to an edible plant (part of the onion family). Rick grew beets, tomatoes, and leeks in his garden.