1 Comment
Summons and summonses
Summons is a singular noun meaning a call by an authority to appear or to do something. It’s most often used in legal contexts for notice summoning a defendant or witness to appear in court. Despite the s at the end, summons functions like any other singular noun—for example: Evansville …
Literally vs. Figuratively – What’s the Difference?
Literally: actually. Figuratively: metaphorically.
5 Comments
Translucent vs. transparent
Transparent: so clear one can see through as if nothing’s there. Translucent: allows light but with diffusion or distortion.
22 Comments
Till, until, ’til
Till and until bear the same meanings and are always interchangeable. There is no reason to shorten either of them to ’til.
4 Comments
Root vs. route vs. rout
Root: the underground portion of a plant. Route: a line of travel. Rout: an overwhelming defeat or a disorderly retreat.
2 Comments
En route
= (1) on or along the way; (2) on the road. It is sometimes spelled on route and enroute.
Assail vs. assault
They are mostly synonymous, but assault often refers to physical violence, while assail often refers to nonphysical attacks.