Words you use interchangeably but shouldn’t
English is so commonly spoken that incorrect language often gets perpetuated quickly. The language has strict rules of grammar and a wide range of words drawn in from various languages. Unfortunately, some words that people consider synonymous are used interchangeably when they can have subtle or vast differences. Learning the difference will only improve one’s language fluency and communication. Here are some words that are commonly used interchangeably and the difference between them:
02/8Evoke and Invoke
Evoke: Bring or recall (a feeling, memory, or image) to the conscious mind.
-Elicit (a response)
Invoke: Call on (a deity or spirit) in prayer, as a witness, or for inspiration.
-Cite or appeal to (someone or something) as an authority for an action or in support of an argument.
When you evoke something, you draw it out, be it an action or emotion but when you invoke something, you call upon it. An easy way to remember it is that when you invoke a being or person, their presence will evoke a feeling or reaction from you.
03/8Between and Among
Between: At, into, or across the space separating (two objects or regions)
– Indicating a connection or relationship involving two or more parties.
Among: Situated more or less centrally in relation to (several other things)
-Being a member or members of (a larger set)
-Occurring in or shared by (some members of a group or community)
-Indicating a division, choice, or differentiation involving three or more participants.
The difference here is subtle and best mugged up as a rule. Between is used when there are 2 or more parties involved and they have been named. Among is used when there are three or more involved and they don’t have to be named.
04/8Pride and Vanity
Pride: A feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
-Consciousness of one’s own dignity.
-The quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one’s importance.
Vanity: Excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements.
A proud person might take pleasure in their achievements but that doesn’t mean they think they’re better than others. Vanity is pride in excess and a vain person will think they’re better than others on the object of their vanity.
05/8Jealous and Envious
Jealous: Feeling or showing an envious resentment of someone or their achievements, possessions, or perceived advantages.
-Feeling or showing a resentful suspicion that one’s partner is attracted to or involved with someone else.
-Fiercely protective of one’s rights or possessions.
Envy: A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.
While envy can be a form of jealousy, jealously has more forms and nuances than envy. A good way to remember the difference is that if you feel someone is threatening what you possess, you’re jealous and if you feel resentful or wistful towards what someone possesses, you’re envious.
06/8Regardless and Irregardless
Regardless: Despite the prevailing circumstances.
-(regardless of)Without regard or consideration for.
Irregardless: –
Irregardless is not a word. Adding “less” at the end of the word regard means ‘without a regard’ but adding the “ir” at the beginning negates that and would make the word mean ‘with regards’. Some dictionaries acknowledge that it means the same as regardless because that’s how it’s used in speech, but it’s not the same word and shouldn’t be used as such.
07/8Venomous and Poisonous
Venomous: (of an animal, especially a snake) secreting venom; capable of injecting venom by means of a bite or sting.
Poisonous: (of a substance or plant) causing or capable of causing death or illness if taken into the body.
A simple way to remember it is that if it bites you and you’re in danger of death, it’s venomous. If you bite it and you’re in danger of death, it’s poisonous
08/8Guarantee and Warranty
Guarantee: A formal assurance (typically in writing) that certain conditions will be fulfilled, especially that a product will be repaired or replaced if not of a specified quality.
Warranty: A written guarantee, issued to the purchaser of an article by its manufacturer, promising to repair or replace it if necessary within a specified period of time.
-Justification or grounds for an action or belief.
Though the difference is subtle, the main difference is legality and for what you’re paying for. A guarantee can apply to products or services while warranties are just for products. Guaranties are a promise and might not be in writing while a warranty is always in writing. Also, you might have to pay for a warranty but never for a guarantee.
Source: timesofindia
