Confusing Words 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

deign (A) / doyen (B) disbar (A) /debar (B) commensurate (A)/ commiserate (B) sextant (A) / sexton (B) depravation (A) / deprivation (B)

Deign means to do something in a way that shows you think you are too important to do it. Doyne means the most respected or most experienced member of a group or profession. So, deign is correct for the first Sentence. Disbar means to stop a lawyer from working in the legal profession, especially because he or she has done something illegal whereas debar means to officially prevent somebody from doing something, joining something, etc. So the word disbar is more appropriate in the context of a lawyer. Commensurate means matching something in size, importance, quality, whereas commiserate means to show somebody sympathy when they are upset or disappointed about something. So commensurate is the apt word for the given sentence. Sextant refers to an instrument for measuring angles and distances, used to calculate the exact position of a ship or an aircraft whereas sexton refers to a person whose job is to take care of a church and its surroundings, ring the church bell, etc. Depravation means moral corruption whereas deprivation refers to the state of not having something that you need, like enough food, money or a home. Thus, in the context of character, depravation is more suitable than deprivation.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

caddie (A) / caddy (B) cane (A) / cain (B) gauntlet (A)/ gauntest (B) serif (A) / seraph (B) saloon (A)/ salon (B)

Caddie refers to a person who helps a player by carrying his or her clubs and equipment during a game(golf). A tea caddy refers to small box with a lid that you keep tea in (tea pot). Cane somebody means to hit a child with a cane as a punishment. Cain refers to the brother of Abel (in the Bible); a murderer. Gauntlet refers to a strong glove with a wide covering for the wrist, used for example when driving. Run the gauntlet means to be criticized or attacked by a lot of people, especially a group of people that you have to walk through. Gauntest is the superlative form of gaunt and means very thin, usually because of illness, not having enough food, or worry. Serif refers to a short line at the top or bottom of some styles of printed letters. Seraph refers to an angel of the highest rank.So, seraph is apt for the fourth sentence. Saloon refers to a car with four doors and a boot/trunk (space at the back for carrying things) which is separated from the part where the driver and passengers sit. It also refers to a large comfortable room on a ship,

used by the passengers to sit and relax in. Salon on the other hand refers to a shop/store that gives customers hair or beauty treatment or that sells expensive clothes.

11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

enshrouded (A) / ensconced (B) excruciated (A) / exacerbated (B) titivated (A) / titillated (B) pared (A) / paired (B) efficacy (A) / effeminacy (B)

Enshroud means to cover or surround something completely so that it cannot be seen or understood. If you are ensconced or ensconce yourself somewhere, you are made or make yourself comfortable and safe in that place or position. So enshrouded is the apt word for the first sentence. Excruciate means to inflict intense pain on; torture, to subject to intense mental distress. For example: She has long been excruciated by a persistent pain in her knee. Pain cannot excruciate, this construction is grammatically incorrect. On the other hand, exacerbated which means worsened is appropriate in the given context. Titivate means improve the appearance of somebody/ something by making small changes whereas titillate means to interest or excite somebody. Hence, titivate is appropriate for the third sentence. Pared to the bone means to be reduced to the lowest possible level. Pair means to put people or things into groups of two. Efficacy means the ability of something, especially a drug or a medical treatment, to produce the results that are wanted; effectiveness. Effeminacy refers to the quality or trait of looking, behaving or sounding like a female.

16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

wreathe (A) / wreath (B) exegesis (A) / exigency (B) dingy (A) /dinghy (B) explicate (A) / expiate (B) enunciated (A) / emanated (B)

Wreathe is a verb and it means to surround or cover something. Wreath is a noun and it refers to an arrangement of flowers and leaves, especially in the shape of a circle, placed on graves, etc. as a sign of respect for somebody who has died. So, wreath (B) is apt for the first sentence. Exegesis is a noun and refers to the detailed explanation of a piece of writing, especially religious writing. Exigency is also a noun and it means an urgent need or demand that you must deal with. The modifier lengthy suggests exegesis to be the apt word. Dingy is an adjective and means dark and dirty. On the other hand dinghy is a noun and refers to a small open boat that one sails or rows. So, dinghy is the apt word for the third sentence.

Explicate means to explain an idea or a work of literature in a lot of detail. Expiate means to accept punishment for something that you have done wrong in order to show that you are sorry. So explicate is the apt word for the fourth sentence. Enunciate means to express an idea clearly and exactly whereas emanate means to produce or show something; to come out from a source <a sweet scent emanating from the blossoms>, <He emanates power and confidence>, <The sound of loud music emanated from the building>. Hence, in the given context, enunciated is the apt word for the fifth sentence.

21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

swat (A) / swot (B) creak (A) / creek (B) laager (A)/ lager (B) clack (A) / claque brayed (A) / braid (B)

Swat something means to hit something, especially an insect, using your hand or a flat object. Swot refers to a person who spends too much time studying. So, swat is apt for the first sentence. Creak means to make the sound that a door sometimes makes when you open it or that a wooden floor sometimes makes when you step on it. Creek refers to a member of a Native American people, many of whom now live in the US state of Oklahoma. So, creak is apt for the second sentence. Laager refers to a group of wagons that were put into a circle in order to protect people in the middle. Lager refers to a type of light pale beer that usually has a lot of bubbles. Thus, laager is apt for the third sentence. If two hard objects clack, they make a short loud sound when they hit each other. On the other hand, claque refers to a group of people who are paid to clap or boo a performer or public speaker. Brayed means to talk or laugh in a loud unpleasant voice. Braid means a long piece of something, especially hair, that is divided into three parts and twisted together. For example: She wears her hair in braids. Braid also refers to a thin colored rope that is used to decorate furniture and military uniforms. For example: The generals uniform was trimmed with gold braid.

26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

calendar (A)/ calender (B). descent (A)/ dissent (B) warts (A) / worts (B) scarry (A) / scary (B) heaven (A) / haven (B)

Calendar means a list of important events or dates of a particular type during the year. Calender, as a verb, means to press (as cloth, rubber, or paper) between

rollers or plates in order to smooth and glaze or to thin into sheets. As a noun it means a machine for calendering something. So, calendar is the apt word for the first sentence. Descent refers to a persons family origins, for example: to be of Scottish descent. Dissent refers to the fact of having or expressing opinions that are different from those that are officially accepted. Thus, descent is apt for the second sentence. Warts and all is an idiom which means including all the bad or unpleasant features of somebody/something. Wart refers to a small hard lump that grows on skin and is caused by a virus. Wort refers to a herb with yellow flowers, used in medicines. Thus, in the context of the given sentence, only warts is appropriate. Scarry means bearing marks of wounds whereas scary means frightening. So scarry is appropriate for the fourth sentence. Heaven refers to a place or situation in which you are very happy or the place believed to be the home of God where good people go when they die. Haven on the other hand refers to a place that is safe and peaceful where people or animals are protected. Safe haven is a noun and it refers to a place where somebody can go to be safe from danger or attack. So, haven is apt for the fifth sentence.

31. 32. 33. 34. 35.

slightest (A) / smallest (B) trusted (A) / relied (B) request (A) / demand (B) thin (A) / poor (B) ideal (A) / idyll (B)

Slightest means very small in degree<There was not the slightest hint of trouble.> <He is, without the slightest doubt, the greatest living novelist.> <He never had the slightest intention of agreeing to it>. As we are talking about idea, small or large size does not make sense. Slightest is a better choice for the first sentence. Rely on somebody means to depend on somebody; or to have faith in somebody. Relied is the correct choice for sentence (2) because of the preposition on. Request is used when one asks for something politely and formally whereas demand carries a hint of authority. I would like suggests that request is more appropriate than demand in the given sentence. Have a thin time or going through a thin time means to have many problems or difficulties to deal with; to not be successful <Hes had a thin time of it since losing his job>. So thin time is idiomatically correct in the given context. Ideal is an adjective and means perfect whereas idyll is a noun and means a happy and peaceful place, event or experience, especially one connected with the countryside; a short poem or other piece of writing that describes a peaceful and happy scene. So ideal is the correct choice.

36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

as (A) / of (B) causal (A) / casual (B). custom (A) / costume (B) suspect (A) / expect (B) economics (A) / economic (B)

As is used to describe the fact that somebody/ something has a particular job or function <She works as a courier> <Treat me as a friend> <I respect him as a doctor>. Of means belonging to something; being part of something; relating to something <the lid of the box> <the director of the company> < a member of the team>. So, as is appropriate in the given context. Causal means expressing or indicating cause <the causal relationship between poverty and disease>. Casual means not showing much care or thought; seeming not to be worried; not wanting to show that something is important to you. So causal is the apt word for the given sentence. Custom which means an accepted way of behaving or of doing things in a society or a community is the apt word for the third sentence. Suspect means to have an idea that something is probably true or likely to happen, especially something bad, but without having definite proof. So suspect is correct for the fourth sentence. Economics (noun), as used here, means the way in which money influences, or is organized within an area of business or society. Economic (adjective) means profitable < Small local shops stop being economic when a supermarket opens up nearby>. Because we need a noun in the given sentence, therefore economics is the apt word.

41. 42. 43. 44. 45.

grisly (A)/grizzly (B) last (A)/latest (B) shade (A)/shadow (B), mantle (A)/mettle (B) blazed (A)/braised(B)

Grisly means gruesome while grizzly is a type of bear. Latest which means most recent suits the context of the sentence. When used as a noun, shade is relative darkness; shadow is what causes the darkness. A tree casts a shadow which causes shade. Mantle means the role and responsibilities of an important person or job, especially when they are passed on from one person to another. Mettle means the ability and determination to do something successfully despite difficult conditions. Blaze means to shine brightly whereas braise means to cook meat or vegetables very slowly with a little liquid in a closed container.

46. 47. 48. 49. 50.

for (A)/ since (B) fantasy (A)/ imagination (B) briefly (A)/shortly (B). rise (A)/ raise (B) capital (A) / capitol (B)

For is used to describe period of time of an action while since denotes the starting time of an action. The word we want here is for. Fantasy means extravagant and unrestrained imagination. The word we want here is imagination. Briefly means for a short time, whereas shortly means soon. Hence, shortly is the word to be used here. Rise / raise- both the words can mean to move upwards, but they are not interchangeable. Rise is an intransitive verb and raise is a transitive verb. Raise requires an object to cause the motion. Rise is the word to be used here. Capital means an advantage or a gain whereas capitol means a building in which the state legislature body meets. So, capital is correct in the given context.

51. 52. 53. 54.

supplicating (A) / duplicating (B) quintessential (A) / quixotic (B) cackle (A) / crackle (B) crammed (A) / cramped (B)

Supplicating is the right choice. It means to talk or act in a humble manner. Quintessential is the right word. It means the most typical example of something. Crackle is the right word. It means small, sharp, sudden and repeated noises. Cackle, on the other hand, means a sharp broken noise like that made by a hen or the sound of sudden sharp laughter. Crammed the streets is the right expression- it means filled the streets. Cramped, on the other hand, is used as an adjective to describe a small space like cramped conditions, cramped rooms etc.

55. 56. 57. 58.

assessing (A) / accessing (B) councilled (A) / counseled (B) flair (A) / flare (B) chord (A) /cord (B)

Assessing is the right word. It means to determine the value of something. Accessing means to approach or enter some place. Counseled is the right choice. It means advised. Flair means talent, having the skill for something. Flare means a sudden outburst (as of excitement or anger), a spreading outward; also : a place or part that spreads. Chord is the right choice. To strike a chord means to say or do something that makes people feel sympathy or enthusiasm. Cord means a rope or wire or cable.

59. 60. 61. 62.

Apprised (A)/appraised (B) childlike (A)/childish (B) self-deprecating (A)/self-depreciating (B) hew (A)/hue (B)

Appraise means to form a judgment or to evaluate while apprise means to inform. Here the word we want is apprise so (A). Childlike is an adjective used for adults which means having the good qualities, such as innocence, associated with a child <she speaks with a childlike directness> while childish means silly and immature. Since the tone of the sentence is positive, childlike (A) is apt. Deprecate means express disapproval of something while depreciate means to fall or lower in value. Here the word we want is self deprecating, hence (A) is correct. Hew means chop or cut (something, especially wood or coal) with an axe, pick, or other tool. Hue means color or shade; character or aspect. It can also mean an aspect of a thing/person. Hence, (A) is correct.

63. 64. 65. 66.

imminent (A)/ immanent (B) empathize (A)/sympathize (B) splitting (A)/spitting (B) exhausting (A)/exhaustive (B)

Imminent means about to occur whereas immanent means inherent. Here the word we want is immanent or inherent. Hence, (B) is correct. Sympathize means to feel sympathy or compassion for someone while empathy means to understand and share the feelings of others. Here the word we want is empathize. Hence (A) is correct. Spitting image means someone who looks very much like someone else usually singular example: She is the spitting image of her mother. Hence, (B) is correct. Exhausting means tiring whereas exhaustive means thorough or complete. Hence, (B) is correct.

67. 68. 69. 70.

affect (A)/effect (B) actuated (A)/activated (B) averse (A)/adverse (B) indite (A)/indict (B)

Effect and affect are often confused because of their similar spelling and pronunciation. The verb affect usually has to do with pretense <she affected a cheery disposition despite feeling down.> The more common affect denotes having an effect or influence <the weather affected everyones mood.> The verb effect goes beyond mere influence; it refers to actual achievement of a final result <the new administration hopes to effect a peace settlement.> The uncommon noun affect, which has a meaning relating to psychology, is also sometimes mistakenly used for the very common effect. In

ordinary use, the noun you will want is effect <waiting for the new law to take effect> <the weather had an effect on everyones mood.> Activated means to make a thing active (make it start working). Actuate means to motivate. Here the word to be used is actuate. Averse means to be unwilling and reluctant. Adverse means opposed. Here the word to be used is averse. Indite means to make up, compose and put down in writing. Indict means to charge with a fault or offence: Criticise, Accuse.

71. 72. 73. 74.

ascribed (A)/ prescribed (B) aspirants (A)/ aspirators (B) amended (A)/emended (B) complement (A)/ compliment (B)

Ascribed means attributed to. Prescribe means to tell what is to be done/ or what medicine to take. Aspirant is a person who has a strong desire to achieve a position of power or to win a competition; an aspirator is a medical term. It is a device used for sucking out liquid from a persons body. Emend means to correct usually by textual alterations. Amend means to change or modify for the better. Complement means to complete or enhance by providing something additional. Compliment means to express esteem, respect, affection, or admiration to someone.

75. 76. 77. 78.

definite(A)/definitive(B) equitable(A)/equable(B) esoteric(A)/exoteric(B) luxurious(A)/luxuriant(B)

Definitive (of a conclusion or agreement) means decisive and with an authority. Equitable means just or fair or marked by principles of fairness or equity. Esoteric means secret or known only to a few people. Luxuriant means growing in abundance.

79. 80. 81. 82.

palate(A)/palette(B) bathos(A)/pathos(B) meretricious(A)/meritorious(B) unequivocably(A)/unequivocally(B)

Palette-a range, quality or use of available elements.(palette is also the name of an artists mixing board). Bathos-insincere pathos; sentimentality; mawkishness. Meretricious-flashy, gaudy, spurious. Unequivocally means clearly and without doubt.