Pitcher vs picture

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Grammarist

Pitcher and picture are two words that are close in spelling and pronunciation, but not identical. They are often confused. We will examine the definitions of the words pitcher and picture, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.

Pitcher has three very different definitions. A pitcher may be 1.) a large container or jug used for storing and pouring liquids 2.) the player on a baseball or other sports team who throws the ball at the batter 3.) a paving stone. Pitcher is derived from the Old French word pichier which means pot.

A picture is a painting, portrait, drawing, image or impression or to make an image through art or description. A moving picture is a film. Picture may refer to a physical image or a mental image. Used as a noun or a verb, related words are pictures, pictured, picturing. The word picture is derived from the Latin word pictura, which means painting. Note that most cases of confusion between the words pitcher and picture stem from mispronunciation. The t in the word pitcher and the c in the word picture are both pronounced, though faintly.

Examples

The Texas Rangers still need three pitchers for the rotation behind Cole Hamels and Martin Perez, and the Rangers and Bush are still considering giving starting pitching a go. (The Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Golden juice from the apple chunks the press had squeezed flowed in a wooden sluice and into a pitcher. (The Register Guard)

Picture books in particular offer an excellent opportunity for teachers to open up discussions about sensitive topics in a safe environment and there are many authors who look at such issues. (The Guardian)

“Picture yourself as one of our riders who are in wheelchairs,” said Georgia Truitt, an instructor and program manager at the center. (The Delmarva Daily Times)