Emission vs omission

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Grammarist

Emission and omission are two words that are very close in pronunciation and spelling, but have very different meanings. They are often confused. We will examine the definitions of the words emission and omission, where they came from and some examples of their use in sentences.

An emission is a discharge of something. Often, an emission is a release of gas or radiation into the atmosphere, or a discharge of bodily fluid. The word emission is derived from the Latin word emissionem, meaning releasing or sending out. Emission is related to the verb, emit. The plural form of emission is emissions.

An omission is something that has been excluded, something left out either by mistake or by design. An omission may be a simple mistake that is easily rectified or a failure to realize a legal or moral obligation, resulting in dire consequences. The word omission, related to the verb omit, is derived from the Latin word omissionem, meaning leaving something out. The plural form of omission is omissions.

Examples

It is true that coal is the dirtiest fuel with the highest carbon emission coefficient, but it presently plays a vital role in electricity generation worldwide. (The Hindustan Times)

WHILE rising sea levels pose a threat to low-lying villages throughout Fiji, calls on developed nations to make bold and decisive cuts in carbon emissions is necessary to arrest the current rate of global warming. (The Fiji Times)

Stephen Cluxton’s omission from the football selection seemed to be the main talking point at Friday night’s ceremony at the Convention Centre in Dublin, the three-in-a-row winning captain of the Dublin team missing out in favour of Mayo’s David Clarke for the second year running. (The Irish Times)

Several commentators have suggested this flap is particularly embarrassing on account of it being Trudeau’s second omission of Jews in a Holocaust statement (the first being his 2016 proclamation on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.) (The Global News)