Roam vs. Rome

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Grammarist

Roam and Rome are two words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings. They are homophones. We will examine the difference between the words roam and Rome, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.

Roam means to wander aimlessly, to travel about without a plan. Roam may also describe a wandering mind. Finally, roam may refer to the process of a mobile phone using another operative system when out of network. Roam may be used as a verb or a noun, related words are roams, roamed, roaming. The word roam is derived from the Old English word ramian which means the process of wandering around.

Rome is the capital city of Italy. Note that Rome is capitalized as it is a proper name. The name Rome is purported to have come from the name Roma, which in turn was derived from the legendary founder of the city of Rome, Romulus. However, it has been suggested that the name comes from the name Rumon, which is an ancient name for the river Tiber, which runs through the city of Rome.

Examples

“It is simply unconscionable that Delta Air Lines staff would witness a man exposing himself, and instead of restricting his movements and preparing the cabin for his arrest, they allowed him to roam freely, where this sexual predator was allowed to assault Ms. Costigan,” said Goodman Acker senior partner Gerald Acker. (The Southgate News Herald)

The last requirement for abolishing mobile roaming fees was met today with the adoption by the Council of the legal act that limits how much operators may charge each other to allow roaming across Europe. (The EU News)

Their plastic swords and daggers might not stand up to real combat, but Rome’s modern-day centurions and legionaries are celebrating after winning a red tape battle with the city council. (The Telegraph)

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