incident vs. accident incident (an unusual or unpleasant event or occurrence) When did the incident occur? The incident was recorded on CCTV. accident (event or occurrence that happens unexpectedly, typically resulting in damage or injury) Our meeting was just an accident. She was injured in the accident. …
Read More »insure vs. ensure
insure vs. ensure insure (to provide compensation for loss or injury) They declined to insure him due to his heart condition. (American spelling of ensure) They took measures to insure the safety of their staff. ensure (make certain that something happens or is definite) Please ensure that you …
Read More »immigrate vs. emigrate
immigrate vs. emigrate immigrate (come to a foreign country to live there permanently) We immigrated to the United States when I was 10 years old. When did you immigrate to Australia? emigrate (leave your own country to live permanently in another country) We had to emigrate from our …
Read More »illegible vs. eligible
illegible vs. eligible illegible (unreadable, difficult to read) His handwriting is so illegible that nobody can read it. The label had become wet and was now illegible. eligible (suitable, meeting the conditions) I would like to vote, but I’m not eligible yet. The refugees are eligible for resettlement abroad. …
Read More »haunt vs. hunt
haunt vs. hunt haunt (to visit frequently) This is a bookstore I used to haunt. (a place visited frequently) The café is a favored haunt for foreigners. hunt (to chase and kill animals and birds) He hunts wild animals for food. (to search for, usually very carefully and thoroughly) …
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