Title vs. Caption
Title = the name given to a book ,painting, play, composition or other artistic works etc. The author decided the title of the book. The report published was titled ” Planning and Execution” The title of the play is ” King Lear”. The author’s name was printed below the title. There was a book I wanted to buy, but now I can’t remember the title. . Caption =brief explanation accompanying an illustration, cartoon or poster. The caption of the picture was ” Funny Creatures”. The…
Exceptional vs. Exceptionable
Exceptional = extraordinary, remarkable, unusual. Shaun is an exceptionally intelligent student. Such loans will be granted only in exceptional cases. Vaikom Vijayalakshmy is a gifted and exceptionally talented singer. He has a garden with exceptional beauty. Modifications in the original plan can be sanctioned only in exceptional cases. . Exceptionable = objectionable, causing disapproval or offence. His recent writings on individual freedom are highly unpleasant and exceptionable. You should be careful not to seem exceptionable in your language and manners. Their exceptionable remarks may arouse…
Coma vs. comma
Coma = a prolonged state of deep unconsciousness caused ,especially by severe injury or illness. After the accident, she went into a coma. The road crash left him in a coma. He’s alive, but he’s been in a coma for a week. When she woke up from coma , but she couldn’t speak or recognize her own children. He was brought to hospital in a comatose state. ( comatose – (adjective)= in an unconscious state. Comma = a punctuation mark (,). Johny, Sreekand, Abdulla , Venu,…
Prospectus vs. prospects
Prospectus = brochure; a document giving details of a college, school or business and its activities. You will find details of all our courses in the prospectus attached. A school or company prospectus. Prospects = possibilities, future, scope. You should have better job prospects with a post graduate degree in Commerce. The manager held out bright prospects if I would accept the position. The accident darkened his prospects of becoming a good football player. Related words: Prospective = potential, probable, likely to be, with effect…
Pass away vs Pass out
Pass away= die ( a euphemistic or polite expression) He passed away by a massive heart attack at his house. He amassed a lot of wealth, but unfortunately he passed away even before he could enjoy a bit of it. His unexpected passing away last year left the poor family in great shock and tragedy. He is afraid he won’t be able to pass away peacefully because of his family problems. . Pass out = (1) to become unconscious for a short time; faint. He…
Obsequious vs Obsequies
Obsequious = (adjective) polite in an unpleasant and insincere way from the hope of reward or advantage ; servile The obsequious servants competed among themselves to please the snobbish rich man. The sweeper is embarrassingly obsequious to the manager. They were served by obsequious waiters. Obsequies = ( noun, pl) funeral ceremonies. They were ostentatiously solemnizing the obsequies of the departed monarch. A large congregation thronged to the Cathedral for the obsequies of the president. The murder victim’s father was the chief mourner at the…
How to avoid sexism and feminism in writing?
SEXISM = discrimination against women, especially the oppression of women by men. FEMINISM = movement for recognition of the claims of women for rights(legal, political etc.) equal to those possessed by men. In the past, when people referred to a member of a group containing both men and women( boys or girls) they used the pronoun he/him/his. A good doctor listens carefully to his patients. Nowadays, many people feel that this usage is unfair to women. If you want to avoid the danger of seeming…
Difference -Mature vs Matured (as adjectives)
Mature(adjective) – fully grown or developed. (NOTE:- when you are talking about people, the usual word is ‘MATURE’ (NOT matured) He’s a mature boy of sixteen ( Not matured). She’s a mature woman. He took a mature decision about the marriage of his daughter. He’s not mature enough to get married. Nehru was a mature political leader. Mature(verb) He felt that he had grown up and matured very much. Boys mature more slowly than girls both physically and psychologically. Mature(adjective-2) The whisky is kept here…
Vindicate vs Vindictive
Vindicate = (verb) justify, substantiate, confirm. Vindicate a claim. Vindicate one’s title to a claim. Vindicate the veracity of one’s judgement. Events have vindicated his judgement/action. These discoveries vindicate his theories. (2) To clear of accusation ,blame or doubt with supporting argument/proof. He will be completely vindicated by the evidence. He felt vindicated when the truth became known. . Vindictive = (adjective) unforgiving ,vengeful, disposed to seek revenge. He’s a vindictive man. Her mother-in-law is a vindictive woman who burned all her clothes. ‘ Why…
Able vs Capable
Able = Having the power , means or opportunity to do something. Will you be able to come? They need to be able to irrigate without relying solely on rain water. He has informed his ability to attend the meeting. Capable = Having the ability or fitness or quality necessary to do or achieve a SPECIFIED thing. Show your teacher what you are capable of. He is quite capable of taking care of himself. Only the democratic party is capable of running the administration. Automation…