grove (a small group of trees that are close together) A grove of tall trees provided dense shade for our villa. He owns an olive grove in the village. groove (a long, narrow line cut into a hard surface) The door slides into a deep metal groove to …
Read More »gamble vs. gambol
gamble (to play games of chance for money) We used to gamble at the casino in Texas. He had gambled away all his money. gambol (to skip about playfully) The children began to gambol in the field. The young goats were gamboling in the spring sunshine. …
Read More »abuse vs. misuse
abuse (to use something for the wrong purpose or for your own advantage) She consistently voices her opposition to those who abuse their power. He repeatedly abused his position getting other people to do things for him. misuse (to use something incorrectly, or in a way that was …
Read More »afflict vs. inflict
afflict (cause suffering; distress) The disease has afflicted hundreds in the region. He was afflicted by the death of his mother. inflict (to make suffer something unpleasant or painful) Years of war inflicted considerable damage on the economy. The fences equipped with razor blades inflicted serious injuries on …
Read More »sensitive vs. sensible
sensitive (easily upset or offended) Don’t be so sensitive— I was just joking. Mike is really quite sensitive to criticism. Don’t mention her weight— she’s very sensitive about it. opposite: insensitive sensible (a decision or action that is good because it is based on reason and experience rather …
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