Pairs of Confusing Words - I
Improve Your Vocabulary - 3
1. collision and collusion
a. collision: a violent impact of one body against another; clash of interests
The cars were damaged beyond recognition in the collision that took place on M.G. Road.
b. collusion: agreement made for a deceitful or fraudulent purpose
The investigating agency discovered that the bank robbery was committed in collusion with the guard.
2. forthright and forthwith
a. forthright: frank, outspoken
It was his forthright behaviour which cost him his job.
b. forthwith: immediately
The manager ordered that the mail be despatched forthwith.
3. deprecate and depreciate
a. deprecate: express disapproval of
The clerk's habit of coming late was deprecated strongly by the manager.
b. depreciate: make or become lower in value
A car depreciates more than ten percent of its value within a month.
4. luxuriant and luxurious
a. luxuriant: growing profusely
Every shampoo and hair oil in the market promises a luxuriant growth of hair in a short period of time.
b. luxurious: supplied with luxuries, very comfortable
Everything in the house revealed a luxurious lifestyle of the occupant.
5. aggrieved and bereaved
a. aggrieved: having a grievance
The leader promised to compensate the aggrieved at the earliest.
b. bereaved: a person who has been suffered the death of a relative
The terrorist attack in the market-place left many bereaved.
6. palatable and palpable
a. palatable: pleasant to the taste or mind
The hotel was cheap but the food was generally palatable.
b. palpable: able to be touched or felt
There was palpable resentment against the manner in which he was arrested.
7. emaciated and emancipated
a. emaciated: thin from starvation or illness
The social workers visiting the drought affected area found that most of the children were severely emaciated.
b. emancipated: freed from bondage, liberated
A number of legislations are aimed at the emancipation of the under-privileged.
8. ramify and ratify
a. ramify: to branch out, to extend into subdivisions
The decision to increase the fuel prices had wide economic ramifications in the country.
b. ratify: confirm formally, make something officially valid
In spite of the challenge of global warming, not every country is willing to ratify the Kyoto protocol.
9. defiant and diffident
a. defiant: to resist openly and boldly; open disobedience
The boy remained defiant even in the face of punishment.
b. diffident: lacking self-confidence
Poor knowledge of English was the main reason for his diffidence at work.
10.affluent and effluent
a. affluent: wealthy
This particular tax policy has been framed to favour the affluent.
b. effluent: outflow, sewage
The effluents from the factory have polluted the river.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Collision and Collusion
Palatable and Palpable
Forthright and Forthwith
Deprecate and Depreciate
Luxuriant and Luxurious
Defiant and Diffident
Emaciated and Emancipated
