Assume vs Presume Definitions ‘Assume’ (verb) means ‘take something as true in the absence of evidence’. ‘Presume’ (verb) means ‘take something as true, with some degree of evidence’. What’s the difference between ‘assume’ and ‘presume’? At first sight, both words have the same broad meaning. So it’s easy to think they can be used interchangeably, …
Continual vs Continuous Definitions ‘Continual’ (adj) means ‘being repeated frequently; recurring’. ‘Continuous’ (adj) means ‘happening without interruption’. What’s the difference between ‘continual’ and ‘continuous’? Both adjectives are derivations of the verb ‘continue’, which makes them easily confused. Some people think they are interchangeable, but the truth is they mean slightly different things. ‘Continual’ refers to …
Advice vs Advise Definitions ‘Advice’ (noun) refers to ‘guidance or recommendations about what should be done in a given situation’. ‘Advise’ (verb) means ‘to provide guidance or recommendations about what should be done in a given situation’. What’s the difference between ‘advice’ and ‘advise’? The difference between these two words is that one is a …
Estimation vs Estimate Definitions ‘Estimation’ (noun) refers to the act of guessing or roughly calculating the value, number, quantity, or extent of something’. ‘Estimate’ (noun) means ‘a guess or rough calculation of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something’. What’s the difference between ‘estimation’ and ‘estimate’? These two words are very similar in meaning, …
Attribute vs Contribute Definitions ‘Attribute’ (verb) means ‘consider as being caused by something’. ‘Contribute’ (verb) means ‘help to cause or bring something into existence; provide money or support towards a goal or cause’. What’s the difference between ‘attribute’ and ‘contribute’? As they differ only in their prefix, it is easy to confuse these two words. …
Eminent vs Imminent Definitions ‘Eminent’ (adj) is used to describe someone or something that is noticeably good or famous. ‘Imminent’ (adj) is used to describe something that is very close to happening. What’s the difference between ‘eminent’ and imminent’? Because they look and sound similar, these two adjectives can be easily confused. But they have …
Adverse vs Averse Definitions ‘Adverse’ (adj) means ‘having a negative or harmful effect on something’. ‘Averse’ (adj) means ‘having a strong dislike against something’. What’s the difference between ‘adverse’ and ‘averse’? It is easy to see how these two words can be confused. They look and sound alike, and both carry a negative connotation. However, …
General vs Generic Definitions ‘General’ (adj) means ‘affecting or involving all or most people, things, or places; widespread or common’. ‘Generic’ (adj) means ‘representative or typical of a whole group of similar things’. What’s the difference between ‘general’ and ‘generic’? Although they may appear similar, these meanings are slightly different. ‘General’ denotes wide applicability, while …
Lie vs Lay Definitions ‘Lie’ (verb) means ‘be in a horizontal or resting position on a surface’; also ‘deceive’. ‘Lay’ (verb) means ‘place something down, ready for use’. What’s the difference between ‘lie’ and ‘lay’? These two verbs have close meanings: the placing of something onto, or being on, a surface. It is therefore easy …
Composed vs Comprised Definitions ‘Composed’ (verb – past participle) means ‘be made up/constituted (of something)’. ‘Comprised’ (verb – past tense) means ‘included/contained/incorporated’. What’s the difference between ‘composed’ and ‘comprised’? These two words are very tricky to differentiate, and are very frequently misused. As the past participle of the verb ‘compose’, ‘composed’ is usually followed by …
