Blockage vs. blockade
blockage = state of being blocked A blockage in a coronary artery The pumps are prone to blockage There is a blockage in the drain pipe. blockade = the enclosing or surrounding of a place to keep goods or people from entering or leaving The authorities blockaded roads in and out of the capital. Striking lorry drivers agreed to lift their blockades of main roads. The militant protesters blockaded the whole area around city hall.
Notorious vs. notarial
notorious = infamous; famous for something bad. A notorious criminal. The canal is notorious for its pollution. He is a notorious drinker and gambler. An area notorious for crime and violence. notarial = related to the work of a Notary Public(= a type of lawyer who has the authority to see that documents are correctly signed or that they are true copies) The will was duly signed and witnessed, and bore a notarial seal. Notarial services. Notarial fees. Based on the records, two lawyers were…
Housekeeper vs. housewife
housekeeper = A person, esp. a woman whose job is to organise another person’s house and deal with cooking, cleaning, etc. We can’t afford to employ a housekeeper. After his wife’s death he decided to employ a housekeeper. housewife = A married woman who does not have a full-time job outside the house. Indira doesn’t want to give up her job and become a housewife. Most women in Kerala don’t necessarily give up their jobs and become housewives when they get married.
Impassive or impassioned?
impassive = showing no signs of feelings; unmoved, expressionless She remained impassive as the officer informed her of the tragic news. As the jury announced the verdict, the accused remained impassive. The lawyer looked impassively at him and said nothing. John’s face was impassive. impassioned = showing or feeling very strong emotions The president made an impassioned speech to the people. An impassioned plea for justice. The lawyer made an impassioned argument in her defence.
Jewellery vs Jeweller’s
jewellery = rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, precious stones, ornament sets with jewels. The stolen jewellery has been recovered by the police. The thieves took nothing but cash and jewellery. You should keep expensive jewellery(NOT jewelleries) in a bank or safe. jeweller’s = a shop which sells and repairs jewellery Scariachan bought the gold ornaments for his daughter’s wedding at a jeweller’s in Mumbai. I saw the same watch in a jeweller’s(NOT jewellery) at Calicut.
Reverent or Reverend?
reverent = feeling or showing reverence; worshipful Solon has/shows/feels great reverence for his professors. The Bishop’s sermon was received in reverent silence. He touched his music book reverently before he started the recital. reverend = deserving to be treated with respect (because of age, character, etc.) The Rev. (usually shortened in writing) used as a title of a clergyman The Rev. Father Babu Chelappadan The Very Rev. Scaria (Dean) The Right Rev. Andrews Thazhath (Bishop) The Most Rev. Dr. Mar Aprem Metropolitan (Arch Bishop) Rev.…
Prostate or prostrate?
prostate(gland) = gland in male mammals at the neck of the bladder; inflammation of this He had a prostate operation last year What are common prostate problems? Enlarged prostate = Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy(BPH) prostrate(adj) = lying stretched out on the ground, usually face downward eg. because exhausted, or to show submission, deep respect. She was lying prostrate on the bed They were prostrate from the heat (verb) The man prostrated himself on the bare floor of the church (noun) One of the runners collapsed and…
People, peoples
people = race, tribe, nation A brave and intelligent people The peoples of Asia His dream is that the peoples of the world will one day unite people = plural of person Some people are very inquisitive Streets are crowded with people He finds it difficult to get along with people
Simple or Simplistic?
simple = easily done or understood; not complex or complicated There are three simple steps to follow. The answer is really quite simple. simple life, simple design, simple solution, etc. simplistic = treating complex issues and problems as if they were much simpler than they really are; not complete or thorough enough A simplistic analysis of the issue. They have a simplistic point of view about the war. A simplistic approach to a complicated problem.
Status or status quo?
status = standing; the situation at a particular time during a process What is the patient’s medical status? His financial status is better after joining the new company. What is the status of my Amazon order? Legal status, socioeconomic status, relationship status, etc. status also means relative social or professional position Many young people desire status and security. India has achieved improvement in the status of women. status quo = as it is now; the existing state of affairs (particularly with regard to social or…