wreath noun (a circle made from flowers or leaves) She bought a Christmas wreath. He put a wreath on the grave. wreathe verb (to cover, surround, or circle something) Jane wreathed flowers into a garland. The snake was wreathing itself round the branch. Clouds wreathed the mountains. envocabulary.com
Read More »prodigious vs. prodigal
prodigious formal (very great in amount, size, or degree) The sun generates a prodigious amount of energy. You have missed a prodigious opportunity. prodigal formal (recklessly wasteful) He wasted all his money because of his prodigal habits. She has been prodigal with her husband’s money. envocabulary.com
Read More »pedal vs. paddle
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 it less severe, serious, etc.) The government is taking measures to mitigate poverty. We need to find a way to mitigate the problem. militate formal (work for or against) Her experience militates for her 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 …
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