Adverse vs. Averse – Difference, Meaning & Examples
Adverse = acting in opposition. Averse = opposed to or strongly disinclined.
Breach, breech, broach
Breach = (1) an opening or gap; (2) to make an opening or gap. Breech = (1) the hind portion of a person or (2) the back of a gun. Broach = (1) to make a hole to draw off liquid; (2) to bring up for discussion.
Turbid, turgid, torpid
Turbid: having sediment. Turgid: 1. bloated; 2. excessively ornate or complex. Torpid: lethargic or sluggish.
Perspective vs. prospective
Perspective: 1. a view; 2. the angle from which something is viewed; 3. the proper appearance of objects in relation to each other. Prospective: 1. likely to happen; 2. likely to become.
Destroy vs. destruct
Destruct is mostly an unnecessary variant of destroy, except in rocketry and in the phrases self-destruct and auto-destruct.
Portend vs. portent
Portend (v): 1. to serve as an omen or a warning of; 2. to forecast. Portent (n): 1. an indication of something calamitous about to occur; 2. prophetic or threatening significance.
Proportional vs. proportionate
Proportional: 1. forming a whole with other quantities; 2. considered quantitatively with respect to something else. Proportionate: in due proportion.
Appropriate vs. expropriate
Appropriate = to set something apart for a specific use. Expropriate = to deprive of possession.
Defuse vs. diffuse
To defuse (something) is to make a threatening or dangerous situation safer. To diffuse something is to soften it by spreading it out.
