Commonly confused words

patience vs. patients

  patience (the ability to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without getting angry or upset) I don’t have the patience to be a teacher. It takes time and patience to learn a foreign language.   patients  plural form of patient (a sick person who is receiving medical treatment) Many …

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psychology vs. psychiatry

  psychology (the science of the human mind and behavior) She graduated with master degree in Social Psychology. You have to use a bit of psychology to lose weight.   psychiatry (the study and treatment of mental illness) He decided to specialize in psychiatry after graduation. He has a Ph. D in the field of psychiatry. …

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punch vs. paunch

  punch (to hit with your fist) She punched him in the nose. (to make a hole in something) Punch holes in these sheets of paper with a paper punch. I have to punch another hole in my belt because it’s too big. US English (to press a button or key) …

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peer vs pear

  peer (to look very carefully, especially when you cannot see something clearly) I was peering through the fog trying to read the road sign. We peered into the darkness. (a person of the same age, social position, or ability as another person in a group) All his peers admire him for …

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proceed vs. precede

  proceed  formal (to continue, go ahead) Please proceed with your work. Everything is proceeding normally. (to go in a particular direction) Passengers for Paris should proceed to gate 32 for boarding.   precede (come or go in front; be in front) John let her precede him through the door. This is a type …

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