Glass vs. Glasses

Glass = a usually transparent or translucent material consisting of a mixture of silicates; something made of glass such as tumbler , mirror etc. She drank a glass of water. He drank two glasses of water. The waiter filled our glasses with water. A drinking container made out of glass . A glass of milk. . Glasses = A pair of lenses set in a frame resting on the nose and ears, used to assist defective eyesight. He began to use reading glasses when he…

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Useful Idioms – part 11

(1) A rough diamond = an uncut diamond ;  a person who has generally good character but lacks manners , education or style. My grandfather was a bit of a rough diamond. The young actress was a rough diamond , but with some training she would become a superstar. (2) Down and out = a person without money, a job or a place to live. Nobody loves you when you are down and out. A hostel for down and outs. (3) No prizes for guessing =…

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Sensitivity vs. Sensibility

Sensitivity = responsiveness, reactivity, the condition of being sensitive. The eyes are sensitive to light. Her skin is easily hurt because of its high sensitivity to the sunshine. As an author he should not have so much of sensitivity to criticism. When it comes to religious matters people in India tend to have more sensitivity. Mammootty has the sensibility and sensitivity as to how to deal with his characters. . Sensibility = feelings, discernment;  the ability to decide what is good or valuable, especially in…

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Industrious vs. Industrial

Industrious = hard-working, diligent  , ( noun)- industry. His success was due to industry and thrift. Zakaria is extremely competent and industrious. He is an industrious and willing worker. Industrial = relating to industry. The industrial area of south Mumbai is over-crowded. An industrial dispute( = one between workers and management). There are thousands of industrial uses for plastic. The city dwellers are forced to suffer a lot of industrial pollution. Banks should give thrust to the industrial growth of the country. (noun) industry =…

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Useful Idioms – part 10

(1) At a pinch/push = if absolutely necessary ;  only with a certain degree of difficulty. There is room for four people, or five at a pinch.( or push- in this context ‘ room’ means  space). We usually accept 55 guests , but at a pinch we could take 60. (2) Have a bash = to make an attempt to do something. I have always wanted to have a bash at writing. A : Do you want to try driving my car, to see how…

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Ingenious vs. Ingenuous

Ingenious = very intelligent or skillful, inventive, very smart and clever. An ingenious person/idea/machine/solution etc. The new computer boasts a number of ingenious features. He devised an ingenious solution to the problem. (noun) ingenuity. Ingenuous = ( often derog)( of a person or their behaviour) naïve, artless, frank, over-trusting, inexperienced. Only the most ingenuous person would believe such a feeble excuse. It was rather ingenuous of her to ask a complete stranger to take care of her luggage. He seemed too ingenuous for a reporter.…

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Intelligible vs.Intelligent

Intelligible = that can be easily understood ;  clear to the mind. When you address primary school students, use only the vocabulary intelligible to them. Due to some interruption in the telephone only some of his words were intelligible. His speech was intelligible even to the laymen. Intelligible speech/explanation. Intelligent = having ,showing intelligence ;  brilliant. Reshma is a very intelligent and hard-working girl. He had a few intelligent things to say on the subject. He writes intelligently about the current political situation. An intelligent…

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Observation vs. Observance

Observation = (1) the act of closely observing or monitoring someone or something ; scrutiny ; close examination. According to the doctors the patient needs to be under medical observation for a week. Movements of planets are under the close observation of scientists. (2) something that you have learned by seeing or watching and thinking about it. She has good power of observation. This book contains observations about the causes of cancer. The court observed that if bail was granted to the accused, there was…

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Terrible vs. Terrific

Terrible = extremely bad or serious, causing great fear or horror. The heat is terrible in Delhi during summer. What terrible food they gave us! His behaviour is terribly bad. The weather in Nagaland is terrible during winter. Terrific = very good, great, causing fear. Mammootty looked absolutely terrific in the movie ” Oru vadakkan veeragadha”. This book is going to have a terrific influence on the youth. They chased the robbers at terrific speed. You have got a terrific opportunity to fly to the…

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Satisfactory vs. Satisfying.

Satisfactory = Good enough to be acceptable. Her examination results were not satisfactory. The service in the hotel was not at all satisfactory. The salary they offered was more than satisfactory. You may be dismissed from service if your performance is not satisfactory. . Satisfying = giving pleasure or contentment. For many people , a part-time job can be very satisfying. It’s a most satisfying meal. It can be very satisfying to cook our food ourselves. As far as I am concerned it is very…

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