Lose vs Loose Definitions ‘Lose’ (verb) means ‘fail to win’ or ‘cease to retain something (or someone)’. ‘Loose’ (adj) means ‘not fitting tightly or being closely in place’. What’s the difference between ‘lose’ and ‘loose’? Not only do these two words belong to a different class (verb vs adjective), but they also mean entirely different …
Adapt vs Adopt Definitions ‘Adapt’ (verb) means ‘make suitable for/adjusted to a new use or condition’. ‘Adopt’ (verb) means ’take something as one’s own; accept or follow’. What’s the difference between ‘adapt’ and ‘adopt’? Because they differ in just one letter, it is easy to misspell and confuse these words. But they have very different …
Alternate vs Alternative Definitions ‘Alternate’ (adj) means ‘every other’ (e.g. alternate days) or ‘each thing following or succeeded by the other in a regular pattern’. ‘Alternative’ (adj) means ‘available as another possibility or choice’ or ‘different from traditional norms’. What’s the difference between ‘alternate’ and ‘alternative’? As only their suffix differs, it can be easy …
Human vs Humane Definitions ‘Human’ (adj) means ‘relating to, or characteristic of, human beings’. ‘Humane’ (adj) means ‘having or showing compassion or kindness’. What’s the difference between ‘human’ and ‘humane’? It is easy to see how these two adjectives might be confused, as just one letter distinguishes them. And humans are typically thought to have …
Definite vs Definitive Definitions ‘Definite’ (adj) means ‘unambiguous, certain, or clearly defined’. ‘Definitive’ (adj) means ‘conclusive, final, or authoritative’. What’s the difference between ‘definite’ and ‘definitive’? Because of their similarity in form, these two words are frequently confused (including in academic texts!). They also have meanings that may appear similar, and can be used with …
Ability vs Capability Definitions ‘Ability’ (noun) refers to the skill, competence or aptitude to do something. ‘Capability’ (noun) refers to the power or potential to achieve something. What’s the difference between ‘ability’ and ‘capability’? Because they are so similar in form and meaning, ‘ability’ and ‘capability’ are easily confused. There is a very subtle semantic …
Ability vs CapabilityAccept vs ExceptAdapt vs AdoptAdverse vs AverseAdvice vs AdviseAffect vs EffectAllude vs EludeAlternate vs AlternativeAmbiguous vs AmbivalentAssume vs PresumeAssure vs EnsureAttribute vs ContributeClassic vs ClassicalClimactic vs ClimaticComposed vs Comprised Consist in vs Consist ofContinual vs ContinuousDefinite vs DefinitiveDiscreet vs DiscreteEffectiveness vs EfficacyElicit vs IllicitEminent vs ImminentEnsure vs InsureEstimation vs EstimateExplicit vs ImplicitFarther vs …
Can you use phrasal verbs in your paper or thesis, and if so, how? Which phrasal verbs are best replaced by a one-word equivalent? Read all about it here.
