Similar Words

What’s the difference between certainty vs. certitude? I suspected that they’re interchangeable, but it turns out that they have a subtle but substantial difference in definition—of that, I am certain. Certainty and certitude, share a root word: the Latin term certus, meaning “fixed” or “settled.” Certainty originally meant “pledge” or “surety,” and… continue reading

What Do Converse And Conversate Mean? Converse is a standard verb that acts in English to mean the act of having a conversation. In contrast, conversate is a nonstandard verb that means to have a conversation.  We may often wonder which of these words we should use in our writing, especially if we are writing… continue reading

Although presume and assume are used almost interchangeably in the English language, there is some distinction between them that separates their meanings. In general, both terms mean “to take something as true or real.” However, the difference lies in the level of confidence each word gives the user.… continue reading

Every year, there are new words added to the English dictionary. These changes can be confusing. For example, two commonly confused words are onsite and on-site. Do you know the right way to use these words? Different dictionaries have different advice about how to use… continue reading

Suppose and supposed are sometimes confused with each other.  Supposed to means expected to. It is not correct to say suppose to.  Suppose is a present tense verb that means to assume.  Supposed To This phrase functions like a modal verb. Modal verbs add on to the main verb to show possibility, permission,… continue reading