Commonly confused words

aural vs. oral

  aural (relating to the ear or hearing) This soundtrack gives us an aural appeal. We used tapes as aural teaching.   oral (relating to the mouth; spoken) Brushing your teeth is an important step in maintaining oral hygiene. I had an oral test in the class this morning.   …

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assent vs. ascent

assent vs. ascent assent (agreement, approval) He gave his assent to the terms of the contract. We will take your silence as assent.   ascent (the act of moving upward) The car began its ascent to the top of the hill. That was my first ascent of Everest.   assent vs. ascent – …

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ascribe vs. describe

ascribe vs. describe ascribe (regard something as being caused by) They ascribe most of the accidents to the bad weather. She ascribed Mike’s short temper to his uneasy stomach.   describe (give details, explain) There are so many things I want to describe. Describe how you came here.     …

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appraise vs. apprise

appraise vs. apprise appraise formal (evaluate, assess) Managers appraise the staff twice a year. We will appraise the situation before taking any action.   apprise (to inform or make someone aware) Keep me fully apprised of any changes in the situation. I will apprise Mike of what happened.     …

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apposite vs. opposite

apposite vs. opposite apposite  formal (suitable for or appropriate to) What he said is apposite to the current debate. She made very apposite remarks about the incident. opposite (contrary, completely different) That is exactly the opposite of the truth. Zoe is a very calm person, but her brother is just …

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