Commonly confused words

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 …

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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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turgid vs. turbid

  turgid (swollen) My feet were turgid from walking. formal (boring and difficult to understand) His speech was turgid as ever. I don’t want to read those turgid technical manuals.   turbid (muddy, not clean or clear) After a heavy rain, the river was very turbid. These fish can tolerate turbid waters.   …

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serial vs. cereal

  serial (a story that is broadcast in several separate parts) A new serial is starting on television at 8:30 tonight. (happening or arranged in a series) It passes information in serial form. Keep the pictures in the same serial order.   cereal (a plant grown to produce grain such as …

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naughty vs. knotty

  naughty (badly behaved; not willing to obey) You naughty boy, stop pulling your sister’s hair. The boss treats us all like naughty schoolchildren.   knotty (very difficult to solve or understand) We have faced a lot of knotty problems. That is obviously a knotty question.   envocabulary.com

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