D Archives | Page 18 of 32

Desperate vs disparate

Desperate describes a situation or feeling that is tremendously hopeless, that invokes despair. Animals or people who are desperate may exhibit risky behavior as they have nothing to lose. Desperate is an adjective, the adverb form is desperately and the noun form is desperateness. Desperate is derived from the Latin word desperatus, which means given up, despaired of. Disparate means absolutely different, not of a kind. Disparate describes things that are not comparable. Disparate is an adjective, the adverb form …

Dewclaw

by Grammarist

A dewclaw is a vestigial toe that grows on dogs as well as certain other mammals, reptiles and birds. A dewclaw is non-functional, though there is some research that suggests that dewclaws help with traction when gripping something or running. A dewclaw is high on the leg and doesn’t normally touch the ground. The term dewclaw is first seen in the 1570s, though the exact etymology is unknown. One theory is that the name comes from the fact that a …

Dew, do and due

by Grammarist

Dew is the condensation that collects on surfaces from the water vapor in the air. Dew is often associated with the morning, and the word dew is often used figuratively to mean freshness, youth, innocence. Dew is primarily used as a noun but may also be used as a verb, related words are dews, dewed, dewing. Dewy is the adjective form. Do means to perform a task or action, to solve or work out a problem, to be adequate, to …

Dent vs dint

by Grammarist

A dent is a hollow depression in a surface, usually made by some sort of blow. Dent may also be used to describe a reduction in effect. Dent may also be used as a verb, related words are dents, dented and denting. Dent came into the English language in the fourteenth century as a variant of dint. Dint is an archaic word which means the impressions left by blows, particularly impressions left by a weapon. Dint comes from the Old …

Done vs. Dun

by Grammarist

Done is the past participle of do. Done may also be used as an adjective to mean 1.) completed, finished 2.) that food is cooked enough 3.) that something is used up or no longer occurring. Done comes from the Old English word don meaning make, act, perform, cause. Dun is a verb that means 1.) a brownish-gray color 2.) to relentlessly press for payment of a debt, related terms are duns, dunned, dunning and 3.) an ancient stone fort …

A Dime a Dozen – Idiom, Origin & Meaning

by Candace Osmond

Idiomatic expressions sound silly sometimes, but they help us convey ideas and concepts more vividly and, often, in a more relatable way. One of my favorite idioms is “a dime a dozen,” a phrase we use to describe something basic, common, or easily acquired. So, let’s talk about the meaning and the best usage of this phrase, so you can use it knowing you’re applying it correctly. Dime a Dozen Meaning The idiomatic phrase “a dime a dozen” is meant …

Upload vs download

by Grammarist

Upload means to transfer digital computer files from a client to a server. An example of uploading is transferring a video from a smartphone to a website, or transferring a PDF from a laptop to an archive website. The term upload comes into the English language in the late 1970s as computers develop. Upload may be used as either a noun or verb, related words are uploads, uploaded, uploading. Download means to transfer digital computer files from a server to …

Devil’s advocate

by Grammarist

A devil’s advocate is a person who takes the contrary view only for the purpose of debate, one who tests the strength of an argument through lively opposition. A person who plays the devil’s advocate does so in order to expose weak points in a philosophy and therefore examine a matter more thoroughly. A devil’s advocate is not trying to “win” an argument, he is attempting to examine a problem from all sides. The term devil’s advocate comes into English …

In the doldrums

by Grammarist

In the doldrums is a phrase that means dispirited, feeling listless or mildly depressed. In the doldrums has a maritime origin, the Doldrums is an area in the ocean that is situated north of the equator and between two belts of trade winds. The trade winds meet in the Doldrums and neutralize each other, leaving the area windless. A sailing ship may be stranded in the Doldrums for a long period of time, running out of supplies and patience, waiting …

Dead as a Doornail – Idiom Meaning and Origin 1

Dead as a Doornail – Origin and Meaning

by Candace Osmond

Dead as a doornail means completely, unequivocally dead, or devoid of life or function. This idiom came into use around the 14th century and has been enlivening our conversations ever since. An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of its individual words. Idioms play a crucial role in the English language. They add color to our speech, allowing us to convey complex ideas with familiar phrases. It’s also important to know …

+ More