In our previous post we introduced homophones, which are words that are pronounced the same way but have different meanings. When learning a new language, homophones can be particularly tricky. But, even native English speakers often get homophones mixed up and use the wrong one in their writing! To help you out, we have compiled an additional list of words and their associated meaning for you to familiarise yourself with.
- Waist vs Waste
Waist - Refers to the part of the human body below the ribs and above the hips.
“He fastened the belt loosely around his waist.”
Waste - Means to use or expend extravagantly or to no purpose. This can also refer to something that is discarded or no longer useful.
“If you waste your time playing computer games, you’ll never be able to get your chores done.”
- Wander vs Wonder
Wander - Means to move about aimlessly or without a fixed goal; to go astray.
“They wandered aimlessly inside the shopping centre to kill time.”
“After some time, she completely wandered away from the group.”
Wonder - Refers to a feeling caused by seeing something that is very surprising, beautiful, amazing, etc. or something that is surprising or hard to believe.
“The child gazed up at the big ferris wheel in wonder.”
“I can’t help but wonder how we made it this far.”
- Practice vs Practise
Practice - The noun form means ‘habit’ or ‘custom’ and can also mean ‘repeated exercise to acquire skill’ or ‘the pursuit of a profession’. This noun sense of practice is used by both Australian and American English.
“Practice makes perfect.”
“She just retired from her medical practice.”
Practise - This is the verb form of the word practice in Australian English. Which means ‘to do something repeatedly in order to master it’ or ‘to pursue as an occupation or art.’
“The student practises playing her violin every day.”
- Compliment vs Complement
Compliment - The noun form is used as a polite expression of affection, praise, or admiration. Whilst the verb form is used to congratulate someone.
“My sister gave me a compliment after seeing my new haircut.”
“The director complimented the cast for their stellar performance.”
Complement - This refers to something that completes something else or makes it better.
“Her hair colour complemented her skin tone.”
- Brake vs Break
Brake - Something that is used to slow down or stop movement or activity.
“Don’t forget to put on the brake when approaching the stop sign.”
Break - This means a number of things such as to separate into pieces as a result of a blow or strain; to interrupt and to fail to adhere; or to observe a law or agreement. It can also refer to a pause in work or activity.
“The staff are currently on a lunch break.”
“Please take extra care when handling the antique fine bone china tea set, we don’t want it to break.”
- Here vs Hear
Here - Means in this place or at this location; to, or into this place; at this point in a process, activity, story, etc.
“Meet me here at 9 in the morning.”
“Please come over here.”
Hear - This means to perceive or become aware of by the ear or listen / pay attention to something.
“I can hear the students’ laughter from here.”
“I didn’t hear what she said.”
- Peace vs Piece
Peace - Means tranquillity or freedom from disturbance.
“The residents in this area like to live in peace and seclusion. That’s why I like it here.”
Piece - Refers to a portion of something or an opinion or view. It can also function as a verb which means to assemble something.
“Johnny ate the last piece of cookie last night.”
“I made sure I said my piece before the meeting ended.”
- Whole vs Hole
Whole - This can function as an adjective and a noun which means something that is complete in itself or all of something.
“He spent the whole day sleeping.”
“Listen to the whole story first before making a judgement.”
Hole - Means an opening through something or an area where something is missing.
“I didn’t notice that my shirt had a hole in it.”
“The death of his wife left a hole in his life.”
- Stare vs Stair
Stare - Means to look fixedly on something or someone.
“It’s considered rude to stare at someone especially if you don’t know the person.”
Stair - A series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another and is often used in its plural form.
“I always use the stairs instead of the elevator.”
- Allude vs Elude
Allude - Means to indirectly hint at or call attention to something; or mention without discussing at length.
“She alluded to her husband but never mentioned his name."
Elude - Means to evade or escape from.
“He managed to elude his abductors by escaping into an alley.”
- Coarse vs Course
Coarse - This can refer to something of inferior quality and something that is composed of large particles, or loose or rough in texture. It can also mean crude or unrefined in taste, manners, or language.
“I left the venue after the comedian made some coarse jokes which I think were inappropriate.”
Course - This refers to the act or action of moving in a path from point to point; or a number of lectures or other matters dealing with a subject. It can also refer to a part of a meal served at one time.
“The new obstacle course was challenging and many contestants were unable to finish.”
“I’m currently taking up a course in Business Management.”
“Please ditch the appetiser. We’d like to start with the main course.”
- Cent vs Scent
Cent - This means coin, token, or note representing one cent.
“I got this hat for only 50 cents.”
Scent - Refers to a distinctive smell, especially one that is pleasant.
“I love the scent of freshly brewed coffee.”
- Aloud vs Allowed
Aloud - This means audibly or not silently.
“He read the poem aloud.”
Allowed - This is the past tense of the word ‘allow’ which means to permit someone.
“I’m not allowed to use my phone during work hours.”
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