Bi- vs. semi-
Bi- means two while semi- means half, meaning a biweekly meeting would be held every two weeks while a semiweekly meeting would be held twice a week. However, biannual and semiannual both mean twice a year. To say once every two years, use biennial instead.
What is a soliloquy? Definition and examples
A soliloquy is a speech or monologue directed at the speaker themselves which demonstrates their internal dialogue or inner thoughts.
Beside vs. besides
Bi- means two while semi- means half, meaning a biweekly meeting would be held every two weeks while a semiweekly meeting would be held twice a week. However, biannual and semiannual both mean twice a year. To say once every two years, use biennial instead.
What is a proverb? Definition and examples
A proverb is a popular saying that contains generally accepted advice or wisdom. Proverbs are short and are often metaphorical or indirect.
Avenge vs. revenge
Both avenge and revenge mean to inflict harm in return for a wrong done to someone, but revenge implies the action comes out of resentment or anger. Revenge is more often used as a noun.
Biannual vs. semiannual vs. biennial
Biannual and semiannual both mean twice a year. To say once every two years, use biennial instead.
What is a homonym? Definition and examples
Homonyms are words which sound the same but have different meanings, such as flower and flour.
Auger vs. Augur
An auger is a tool used for boring while augur means to foretell a good or bad outcome.
List of mystery and crime novel tropes
This is a list of tropes commonly found in mystery novels that you can use as inspiration in your own manuscript.
What is a polyptoton? Definition and examples
Polyptoton is the repeating of words derived from the same root. For example, hurried and hurrying derive from the same root word of hurry.
Attain vs. obtain
Attain means to succeed in achieving something or to reach a specified size or amount. Attain implies an effort to achieve, while obtain is to gain possession of something. However, in everyday usage both attain and obtain are often treated as synonyms.
What is a capitonym? Definition and examples
Capitonyms are words whose meanings change when they are capitalised, such as mandarin (the fruit) and Mandarin (the language).
Assumption vs. presumption
Assumption means to accept something as true which isn’t founded on strong evidence, while presumption is based on evidence which has some credibility.
What is diction? Definition and examples
Diction is the phrasing and word choice that someone makes when writing. In other words, it's the individual choice of words that shapes the voice and style of your prose.
Assent vs. consent
Assent indicates the approval of something after careful consideration, while consent implies something is being allowed. For consent, the consenter may not necessarily be happy about the outcome.
What is an allusion? Definition and examples
An allusion is a common or well-known reference to something, such as a person, event, thing, or place.
Assemblage vs. assembly
Assemblage tends to be an informal collection while assembly refers to a more formalised group, such as a national assembly or school assembly.