flounder (to move with great difficulty and effort) We have to flounder in the deep snow back home. She floundered in the water till someone dived in to save her. (unable to decide what to do or say next) She floundered through her song. I floundered for a few seconds trying to decide …
Read More »complement vs. compliment
complement (something that completes, or makes better, or is perfect) A good wine would be a nice complement to the meal. This curtain is a perfect complement to the carpet. compliment (a polite expression of praise) He always paid me compliments on my cooking. She received several compliments for her …
Read More »raise vs. rise
raise vs. rise raise must have an object (to increase the amount, value, or degree) They have raised their prices. Don’t raise your voice. rise is used without an object (to move upwards) The balloon rose slowly into the air. The sun has risen. (to get up) He rose …
Read More »entitle vs. title
entitle (to give a title to something) He entitled the book “Comedy and Tragedy “. (to have the right to receive or do something) Employees are entitled to 24 days’ paid vacation per year. This visa may entitle you to visit the museum for free. title (name of a book, movie, etc.) …
Read More »ingenious vs. ingenuous
ingenious (clever, original, and resourceful) He is ingenious enough to handle that sort of machinery. She thought of an ingenious solution to the problem. ingenuous (naive, honest and trusting) It was ingenuous of you to ask a stranger to look after your luggage. Don’t be too ingenuous in believing what people say. …
Read More »