50 Words You Think Are Synonyms but Aren’t ( courtecy;- reader's digest )

Just because the thesaurus lists two words as synonyms doesn't mean that you can simply slot one in for the other. Learn the most common mistakes.

BY LAUREN CAHN

Stalwart/stubborn

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Here's an example of two words that overlap in certain ways but aren't synonyms at all: Both "stalwart" and "stubborn" describe a state of being unmovable. Whereas "stalwart" has a positive connotation (someone who is stalwart is steady and reliable), "stubborn" connotes a negative judgment (being stubborn implies some level of ignorance along with the steadiness). Add these fancy words to your vocabulary to sound instantly smarter.

Obtuse/abstruse

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Some people say "obtuse" when they mean "abstruse," and this is unfortunate because "obtuse" is an insult: it means dim-witted. By contrast, "abstruse" refers to something that is difficult to understand in general. To put it another way, just because you have trouble understanding an abstruse concept doesn't mean you're obtuse. Make sure you're not using any of these 70 words (and phrases) wrong.

Discriminatory/prejudicial

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While these two cover some of the same ground (both are adverbs describing actions that are harmful), "discriminatory" describes an action that is harmful because it unfairly draws a distinction between different categories of people or things (such as age, race, religion, or gender). "Prejudicial" generally describes an action that is harmful. Take this quiz to find out how artful your vocabulary is.

Infertile/sterile

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One who is infertile (having difficulty conceiving a child) might or might not be sterile (incapable of conceiving a child). One who is sterile will always be infertile, however. Find out the middle school vocabulary words that even adults get wrong. 

Factoid/trivia

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The "oid" in "factoid" can make the word "factoid" appear to mean a small fact, such as a bit of trivia. However, the suffix, "oid," means something that resembles something else. In other words, factoids merely resemble facts. They aren't facts, at all. In fact, factoids are false facts. Find out 10 almost extinct words you should start using ASAP.

Deceptively/actually

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The problem with the word "deceptively" is that it's a bit deceptive, so to speak. In other words, it could mean one thing, as well as that thing's exact opposite. So while you may be using it correctly, technically, your audience may not understand what you actually mean. Still with us? For example, if you describe a house as "deceptively small," you may mean that it's quite the opposite of small even though it might appear small. But the person you're talking to may believe that you're saying the house is smaller than it appears.

Belies versus disguises (versus betrays)

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Like "deceptively," the word "belies" causes confusion because it has two meanings that mean the opposite of one another. According to the dictionary, "belie" is a verb that means disguise or gives a false impression. For example, you may be using a smile to belie your lying eyes while some people use "belie" to mean "betray" as in "your eyes belie the malice beneath your smile." This latter use is so common, so it's difficult to know what someone means when they write or say "belies" instead of "disguises" or "betrays."

Religion/ethnicity

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These two share some overlap, but they aren't the same and can't necessarily be used interchangeably. Your religion refers to your system of belief or worship in a higher power of some kind (usually a God or gods). Your ethnicity refers to your culturally defined identity.

Bisexual/pansexual

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The words "bisexual" and "pansexual" both refer to a fluidity in one's sexual preferences. But "bisexual" is defined as being attracted to both men and to women. The word, therefore, presumes that there are only two genders. The definition of "pansexual" is defined as being attracted to both men and women, as well as people who identify as no gender or some other gender.

Averse/adverse

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While these terms are related in origin, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, they should not be substituted for one another. Whereas "adverse" describes something that is harmful or unfavorable (such as an "adverse effect" of a drug), "averse" refers to a negative feeling about something.

Historic/historical

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"Historic" means an important event, whereas "historical" refers to something that happened in the past. So, not all historical events are historic. Be sure to check out the history lessons your teacher may have lied to you about.

Unique/special

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When you tell someone you think they're unique, you're telling them they are one of a kind—and you can tell because of the "uni" at the beginning, which is Latin for "one of a kind." Technically speaking, every person on earth is unique. If what you're actually trying to say is that this person is important to you—or unusual or fascinating—go with the word "special." But please also bear in mind that "special" has taken on this other connotation in recent years.

Cause/compel

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If you wish to cause something to happen, you can compel it, which means using force or pressure. Or you can be more gentle about it, using influence, prompting, or even provocation. In other words, these words overlap, but they don't really mean the same thing, and you wouldn't want to compel something, when causing it would be adequate. Psst... you're probably mispronouncing these 21 common words without even knowing it.

Redundant/repetitive

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In the U.K., people who get fired from their jobs will often be told that they've been made redundant. If you think this word means "repetitive," then you'll understandably be scratching your head. The real meaning of "redundant" is "superfluous" or "unnecessary." Makes sense now? If further enlightenment would not be redundant for you, check out these examples of phrases that contain redundancies.

Introverted/shy

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Here are two different personality characteristics that are often confused but definitely do not mean the same thing. Someone who is shy experiences discomfort when meeting new people, but someone who is introverted recharges their personal energy through individual pursuits such as reading or thinking. Here are some of the strengths that go with being an introvert.

Capacious/large

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Whereas "capacious" refers only to the size of an empty space capable of being filled, "large" can refer to something having a lot of space inside it or something capable of filling that space. 

Well/good

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When people say "it's all well and good," their words are not actually redundant. That's because "well" and "good" cover different ground. "Well" describes actions; "good" describes things. So you can sing well, but it's even better if the song is good.  Fun fact: These funny words will help you improve your vocabulary.

Will/shall

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We will clear up this confusion once and for all, and hopefully, you shall pay heed:

• The word "shall" implies something that must be done. In other words, think of shalland compel in the same way.
• The word "will" is often used to imply what must be done, it is more correctly used to refer to a prediction of what is going to happen at a future point.

Can/may

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Surely you had this lecture in elementary school when you asked your teacher, "Can I go to the bathroom?" She likely responded that with, "Yes, you can. Now ask, 'May I go?" Use the word "can" to refer to what is possible and the word "may" to indicate what is permissible. Follow these 41 grammar rules to instantly sound smarter.

Obsolete/obsolescent

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When something is obsolete, it's out-of-date or out of use; if it's obsolescent, it's in the process of becoming out-of-date or out of use. So what is obsolescent today may well be obsolete tomorrow. Hopefully, these obsolescent words will never become obsolete.