Homophones

Eek vs. eke

Eke = (1) to manage with difficulty (to make a livelihood), and (2) to make something last by practicing strict economy. Eek = an interjection expressing fear, shock, or surprise.

Callous vs. callus

Callus is a noun referring to a localized thickening of the skin and a verb for the formation of such thickenings. Callused means “having many calluses.” Callous is figurative; it’s an adjective meaning “toughened” and a verb meaning “to make callous.”

Tic vs. tick

Tic: 1. a spasmodic muscle movement; 2. a recurrent trait or quirk. Tick: 1. a clicking sound; 2. a moment; 3. a mark used to check off an item; 4. a bloodsucking insect or arachnid.