Word confusion

Ibid vs idem

Ibid is an abbreviation of ibidem, a Latin word that means, literally, in the same place. Ibid is used mainly in footnotes or references to note a source that was previously mentioned, saving time and space by not repeating the same thing over and over again. Note here that it is the exact same source in the exact same place, so the duplicate citation would be exactly the same. Some style guides and dictionaries will tell you to use a period with ibid., others will …

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Deleterious vs detrimental

Deleterious is an adjective used to describe something or someone as dangerous or causing injury, usually in an unobtrusive or surprising manner. The adverb form is deleteriously, and the noun form is deleteriousness. Detrimental is also an adjective used to describe something or someone as dangerous or causing injury, usually in an obvious or expected way. The adverb form is detrimentally, and the noun form is still detrimental. Examples This suggests that work-study programs give students a small piece of responsibility for funding their college education, …

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Estimation or approximation

An estimation is the act of estimating, or guessing, about the quantity, quality, or other aspect of an object or person. An approximation can be an object or person that is almost exactly like something else, but not quite, either by defect or design. If by design, it is not meant to be exact. The adjective form is approximative. In general, an approximation has more information and comes more intentionally closer to the mark than an estimation. Side note: A rare, but related, word is proximation. A proximation is the closest …

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Since vs because

Since can act as an adverb or a conjunction. In either case it can mean from a certain time in the past until the present, or after a certain time in the past. When used as a conjunction it can be used as a synonym for because. Because is a conjunction which can either introduce an explanation or reason for something. It is also a synonym for since. Traditionally there was a distinction between the two; however, they are interchangeable now. The one caveat is since’s dual …

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Variety vs varietal

To have a variety of something, one has lots of unique kinds of that item or group. One can have a variety of wines or books or even choices. The plural is varieties. Varietal is an adjective. In one sense it can simply be the adjective form of variety, describing something or someone has having to do with or creating variety. It can also be a wine that is named after the grape it is made from, usually a single kind of grape. The adverb form is varietally. Examples …

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Analyses vs analyzes

Analyze, which is analyse outside the US, means to intently inspect an object or person. This inspection can be with the intent to discover, explain, quantify, or reveal. One can analyze a person, grammar, or any number of fields of study. When someone, outside of the US, inspects something, he or she analyses it. The final syllable is pronounced the same way it is in the US (zehz). An analysis is the process or outcome of analyzing, the process of inspecting something closely to discover more about it. The …

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Bugbear or bugaboo

A bugbear is something that elicits fear or annoyance from someone. Common synonyms are problem or annoyance. It is spelled as one word. Bugbear is commonly pluralized by adding an s. It was originally an imaginary creature used to make little children afraid. It may be a variant of the word bogey, which does not have an exact origin itself. Between Middle English, Old Scots, German, and Welsh there are many options for where the word came from. Mainly in North America, another variation of bogey ended …

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Nib vs nub

A nib is something small that comes to a point. Originally it was the tip of a quill pen, and now is commonly used to describe the metal piece at the end of an ink-well pen or the tip of any writing instrument. It may also mean a bird’s beak or bill. In cooking, a nib is a small piece of a roasted product, like coffee or cocoa beans. It is always used in a compound form, such as, cacao nib or coffee nib. …

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Renege vs rescind

To renege is to go back on a promise, to make a denial, or revoke something. It is pronounced many different ways. The first syllable may have the long or short e sound. And the (nege) syllable can be /nehg/, /nahg/, or /nig/. A person who reneges is a reneger. It is also used sometimes in board or card games when a player has broken the rules. In the game of euchre, you play cards by suit. If you play a card later, but should have played …

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What Does Sanction Mean Definition Examples 2

What Does Sanction Mean? – Definition & Examples

Guess what? Today, I’m going over the details about a word that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it’s used: sanction. You can use it as a noun and a verb and even apply it to many different situations. So, what does sanction mean exactly? Hang tight as I break it all down for you. What Does Sanction Mean? According to Merriam-Webster, “sanction” is a verb that means to give official permission or official approval for …

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