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10+ Commonly Misunderstood Words in English

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What are commonly misunderstood words in English you know? English is a complex language with many nuances and subtleties, and it’s not surprising that some words are commonly misunderstood. These misunderstandings can lead to confusion and mistakes in communication, especially for non-native speakers. In this article, we will highlight some of the most commonly misunderstood words in English and provide clear explanations and examples to help clear up any confusion.

Commonly Misunderstood Words in English

Whether you’re a native speaker or a learner of the language, this article will provide valuable insights into the intricacies of the English language. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the world of commonly misunderstood words in English.

Commonly Misunderstood Words with Meaning

This is a list of English words that are commonly misused or misunderstood.

1. Historical

You think it means: historic

It means: Pertaining to the past, but not necessarily important to it or a part of it

2. Novel

You think it means: any book

It means: A book that is a work of fiction

3. Less

You think it means: fewer

It means: A smaller amount of uncountable nouns.

4. Continual

You think it means: with no interruptions

It means: Duration over a long period of time, not necessarily without interruption.

5. Infamous

You think it means: famous

It means: Having extremely bad reputation; never used in a positive manner.

6. Systematic

You think it means: systemic, pertaining to or affecting the body as a whole

It means: Involving a system, method, or plan; orderly

7. Proscribe

You think it means: prescribe; to order the use of something, such as medication; to direct or dictate

It means: To denounce, banish, outlaw, or exile

8. Penultimate

You think it means: above, beyond, or better than ultimate

It means: Next to last

9. Precocious

You think it means: cautious or misbehaving

It means: Unusually advanced in development, especially mentally

10. Alternate

You think it means: alternative

It means: To interchange successively or regularly

11. Moot

You think it means: no longer open for debate or closed to discussion; factually wrong

It means: Open for debate; an assembly of authoritative persons; or an argument or discussion

12. Nauseous

You think it means: nauseated

It means: To induce nausea.

List of Commonly Misunderstood Words

  • Affect vs Effect
  • Accept vs Except
  • Advice vs Advise
  • Allude vs Elude
  • Altogether vs All together
  • Appraise vs Apprise
  • Beside vs Besides
  • Borrow vs Lend
  • Bring vs Take
  • Compare to vs Compare with
  • Complement vs Compliment
  • Continuous vs Continual
  • Council vs Counsel
  • Further vs Farther
  • Imply vs Infer
  • Its vs It’s
  • Lay vs Lie
  • Less vs Fewer
  • Principal vs Principle
  • Stationary vs Stationery

Commonly Misunderstood Words in English | Image

Commonly Misunderstood Words in English

Hadi Bux Jatoi

Thursday 2nd of December 2021

English vocabuliry

Amara

Tuesday 19th of January 2021

This is insightful.