Tag: Troublesome words

Empire, Umpire, Empirical, Empiricism   “There are many ways that we try to know things about the world around us. One way is through direct experience. This approach is sometimes called empiricism. Experience is often a reliable path to knowledge….

Zeal, Zealous, Jealous   “Jealousy is … a tiger that tears not only its prey but also its own raging heart.” –Michael Beer.   JEALOUS: Jealous is a variant of jealousy.   Jealous is an adjective referring to an emotion…

Yoke, Yolk, Yak (Yack), Yokel   Have you been to Tibet? If so, you may have seen a yak: Yak is a Tibetan ox: long haired and humped.   YAK: Yak or yack also refers to trivial, or a lengthy…

Woe, Woo, Woe Betide, Woebegone   Is there a human soul without a woe or woes?   People also curse others to have difficult times: woeful times: Fanny: Woe betide to him. Malin: Why to wish for his woeful existence?…

Vain, Vein, Wain “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished task remaining before us—that from these honoured dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure…

Vacation, Vocation, Avocation   Which vocation to choose in one’s life, and how do one comes to know about it in one’s life?   Where to go for a vacation in the world? The world is such a beautiful place,…

Theology, Theosophy   Do you want to study theology, or know about theosophy?   THEOLOGY: Theology is a field of study: study of God, truthfulness of a religion.   Theology is the formal study of the nature of God; theology…

Silicon, Silicone, Silicon Valley    Silicon Valleys of the world depends on the silicon and some working there may opt for silicone implants for one or the other reason.   SILICON: Silicon is a non-metallic chemical element, or a metalloid…

Sac, Sack, Cul-de-Sac   Are you afraid of being sacked by your employer? It would be a freedom, you can launch your own career, independently, without ever being sacked! ‘Be your own lamp’ –Buddha   Employees in private sector also…

Refute, Repudiate (but not Refudiate!)   Refudiate is a non-existent word but sprang into public domain (cyberspace) because of Sarah Palin the former Governor of Alaska and the vice-presidential candidate of Republican Party in the 2008 US presidential elections. She…