Inability vs. Disability?
Inability = lack of ability, incapacity He expressed his inability to accept such a revolutionary idea. I am sorry to inform you my inability to attend the meeting. He is very sad about his inability to help the orphanage. Basically, it was her inability to give the team the best available coaching. Connected usages – able (opposite) unable. I can’t help you! (The most blunt way of refusal of help) I cannot help you. (Moderate way) I am unable to help you (polite way) Disability…
Afterbirth vs. Afterlife?
Afterbirth = the placenta and fetal membranes that are expelled after delivery She arched suddenly and the afterbirth shot out. The afterbirth was large. Afterlife = the life, for example. in heaven which some people believe begins after death He doesn’t believe in an afterlife or immortality. They will be reunited in the afterlife. Most Christians believe in an afterlife of some sort. Do you believe in an afterlife?
A broad classification of people on the basis of their age group
Sexagenarian = A person who is between 60 and 69 years old. Septuagenarian = between 70 and 79 years old Octogenarian = between 80 and 89 years old. Nonagenarian = between 90 and 99 years old. Centenarian = between 100 and above Connected usages : On the right/wrong side of He is on the right side of sixty. (He is below sixty years) I am on the wrong of side of sixty. (I am over sixty years) Centenary (noun, adjective) = a period of 100…
Housemaid, Nursemaid, or Wet Nurse?
Housemaid = Female servant in a house, especially one who cleans rooms etc; domestic help. How did you know I wanted a housemaid? She lives in a modest looking house with a housemaid. Nursemaid = Woman or girl employed to look after babies and small children. When I was a child, my nursemaid sang me lullabies whenever I was worried or afraid. She worked as a nursemaid to the family of a minister. Wet Nurse = woman who cares for and breastfeeds other people’s babies as a…
Sanction vs. sanctions
Sanction = right or permission given by authority to do something. You can’t translate the book without the sanction of the author and publishers. We received sanction to proceed with our plans. The scheme was sanctioned by the court. Sanctions (Usually plural) = penalty, punishment. (measures taken by a state to coerce another to conform to an international agreement or norms of conduct, typically in the form of restrictions on trade or official sporting participation.) The government of the US decided to bring economic sanctions against Pakistan…
Biannual, annual or biennial?
Biannual = occurring twice a year. The committee published its biannual report as on 30th June and the next report is due by 31st December. (i.e. two reports in a year) Annual = occurring once every year; covering the period of one year. The income tax is computed on the basis of one’s annual income. The Bank employees get reimbursements on the expenses on their annual physical check-up. It’s mandatory for companies to publish annual reports. (i.e. yearly once) Biennial = occurring every two years. (i.e.…
At that moment, at the moment, the moment – usage?
At that moment – at that particular time. I was just about to enter the interview room. At that moment an old friend of mine appeared like a bolt from the blue. I was just reaching the railway station. Just at that moment, my car broke down. At the moment – now, at the present time. At the moment I’m working in a restaurant. At the moment I’m reading an interesting novel. (Not necessarily one is reading the novel right now, but he has started…
Pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan?
A broad classification of people on the basis of food habits Non-vegetarian – eats meat, fish, egg and all. Pescatarian – eats all food items except meat, they may eat fish. Vegetarian – eats all food items except meat and fish, they may eat egg. Vegan – They won’t eat meat, fish, egg or any other dairy products, may sometimes be called a strict vegetarian.
Respectable, respectful and respective?
Respectable = deserving respect. He is a man of respectable appearance. She comes from a highly respectable middle-class family. She established herself as a respectable political leader. Respectful = showing respect. They stood at a respectful distance from the Governor. A uniformed attendant gave us a respectful salute. Above all, try to be respectful and considerate to old people. Respective = relevant; corresponding; appropriate. All are requested to go back to your own respective seats! After the programme, the students went off to their respective…
Incidents vs. incidence
Incident = event, happening which attract general attention. The government regretted the incident. Several people were injured in the incident. Many such incidents go unreported and the guilty escape punishment. Two people were shot yesterday in two separate incidents. Incidence = The rate, or frequency of a disease, crime or other undesirable things. Now there is an increased incidence of cancer among city dwellers. Records prove that there is a high incidence of heart disease in men over 50. High incidence of malaria has been reported in the…