pedal (a lever that you press with your foot to make a bicycle, car, or machine move, work, or stop) His feet can hardly reach the pedals of his bike. Press the accelerator pedal to go and brake pedal to stop. This sewing machine operates by a foot pedal. paddle (a …
Read More »mitigate vs. militate
mitigate formal (to make less severe, serious, etc.) The government is taking steps to mitigate poverty. We need to figure out a way to mitigate the problem. militate formal (work for or against) Her experience militates her getting a promotion. The current political situation can militate against economic growth. …
Read More »empathy vs. sympathy
empathy (the ability to share and understand another person’s feelings) A little empathy leads to a lot of understanding. She shows empathy when others are in trouble. sympathy (the feeling of being sorry for someone who is experiencing misfortune) We all have great sympathy for the victims of the earthquake. I’m sorry …
Read More »childish vs. childlike
childish (typical of a child; silly and immature) It may be childish, but I love playing bumper cars. Stop this childish behavior; you’re a grown man now. childlike (having the good qualities of a child, such as trusting people, being honest, etc.) She has a childlike quality that I …
Read More »feint vs. faint
feint (a movement that you pretend to make to trick an opponent) He made a feint with his left, then delivered a right hook to his opponent’s jaw. make a feint of (to make a pretense of) He made a feint of working hard, but actually he was not. faint (not clear …
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