Commonly confused words

rabbit vs. bunny

  rabbit (a small animal with long ears and soft fur that usually lives in burrows) The eagle swooped down to catch the rabbit. We raise rabbits in our garden.   bunny (a rabbit, used by children or when talking to children) Daddy, this bunny is so cute; can I keep …

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root vs. route

  root (the part of a plant that grows underground, through which the plant gets water and minerals) She tied the boat to a tree root. You need to pull weeds out by the roots. (the main cause or source of) I’m trying to get to the root of this …

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reign vs. rein

  reign (to rule as king, queen, or emperor) How long did King Henry VIII reign? Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.   rein (a long, narrow leather strip that helps a rider to control and direct a horse) He pulled on the reins, and the horse stopped. Pull the …

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revenge vs. avenge

  revenge  noun (the act of hurting someone who has hurt you or someone you care about) She vowed to take revenge on her attacker. While seeking revenge, dig two graves—one for yourself. Douglas Horton   avenge  verb (to punish or harm someone who has hurt you or someone you …

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quail vs. quell

  quail (to feel afraid and show it by trembling) She quailed at the thought of entering the dark house alone. (a small wild bird with a short tail, whose meat and eggs are used for food) We are having quail for dinner tonight. Quail eggs are rich in vitamins …

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