List of Commonly Confused Words in English
Using commonly confused words in English can lead to misunderstandings due to erroneous interpretation of the message conveyed.
“The tortuous ride was torturous for Vidhi who has a weak stomach.”
Do ‘Tortuous’ and ‘Torturous’ mean and look the same to you? If your answer to that is ‘yes’, then keep reading ahead! Because, in this article, we’ll clarify just this and a bit more for you!
4 Commonly Confused Words in English
Here’s a list of commonly confused words in English:
Tortuous vs Torturous
These words are separated just with one pesky alphabet ‘r’. But this one alphabet is enough to completely change their meanings. Although the words stem from the same ‘Latin’ origin, they have different definitions.
Tortuous is an adjective which can mean one of the following two things, depending on the context:
- Full of twists and turns
- Excessively lengthy and complex
Torturous, on the other hand, means ‘characterized by, involving, or causing pain or suffering.’ It is also an adjective.
In the sentence given above, “The tortuous ride was torturous for Vidhi who has a weak stomach”, tortuous ride refers to a ride full of twists and turns which led to a torturous i.e painful experience for Vidhi.
Equality vs Equity
The word equality is defined as “the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree, value, rank, or ability.” The adverb equally is commonly used to describe things related to equality.
The word equity is defined as “the quality of being fair or impartial; fairness; impartiality” or “something that is fair and just.” Equity also has several meanings related to finance and property law. The adjective form of equity is equitable.
Eg: Rekha gave both the rich and poor woman $1000.
This is an example of equality as she gave both the women, the same amount of money.
However, it is not an example of equity as it is not fair for the rich woman to receive such a hefty amount as charity.
On the contrary, look at this sentence:
Rekha gave the poor woman $200 and the rich woman $10.
This can be defined as equity as this treatment seems just and fair.
Confident vs Confidant
Confident is primarily used as an adjective meaning “having strong belief or full assurance; sure.”
For example: He’s incredibly talented, and while he’s confident, he never projects arrogance.
Confidant: a noun that’s defined as “a close friend or associate to whom secrets are confided or with whom private matters and problems are discussed.”
For example: Raghav describes his ideal marriage as one in which his partner is both his best friend and confidant.
Empathy vs Sympathy
Sympathy is a noun. It means ‘feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune.’
Example: Nehil had great sympathy for the flood affected animals.
Empathy is also a noun. It can be explained as “the ability to share someone else’s feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in that person’s situation”
Example: As you get older you have more respect and empathy for your parents.