Confused Words 8

By georgelthomas on 21 May 2019 • ( 1 )

Hi everyone, I hope you’re all having a fantastic day! It’s been a little while since I posted a collection of ‘Confused Words‘, so here are another six.

Dual, Duel
Dual: this is the word you’d use when talking about something that consists of or contains two parts, aspects or sections. For example, having been born in France and raised in England, he holds ‘dual’ citizenship.
Duel: this is the word you would use when referencing a fight or competitive battle between two people, often using deadly weapons. For example, she drew her gun first and fired off a quick shot, becoming the victor of the ‘duel’.

Elicit, Illicit
Elicit: this word means to evoke or produce something, such as an answer, action or response in someone. For example, the bully used threats to ‘elicit’ fear in the smaller, younger kids.
Illicit: you would use this word when talking about something that is illegal or seen by society as improper and/or immoral. For instance, the use of ‘illicit’ drugs has been on the rise lately.

Summery, Summary
Summery: this word is used to describe something that holds characteristics of summer. For example, the warm, ‘summery’ weather seems to have begun early this year.
Summary: you’d use this word when talking about information that has been condensed into a short account of something. For example, the assistant read out a ‘summary’ of the previous meeting’s main points.

Fair, Fare
Fair: this is used in reference to something that is seen as even or equal. For instance, she thought it was ‘fair’ to share her chocolate with her brother, who had none.
Fare: is used in reference to payment for travel or transportation. For example, he paid the taxi ‘fare’ and climbed out of the car.

Sliver, Slither
Sliver: this word is used when you are referring to a small, thin piece of something. For example, she cut herself a ‘sliver’ of apple pie.
Slither: this word is used to describe the smooth, oscillating motion of something. For example, the snake ‘slithered’ across the ground on its belly.

Affect, Effect
Affect: this is used in reference to the way something or someone changes when someone or something else acts upon it. For example, her goosebumps proved that the scary story was ‘affecting‘ her.
Effect: this is used in reference to a change that occurs which is the result of an action. For example, spending too much time in the sun can have a damaging ‘effect’ on your skin.

As always, thanks for reading!

Until next time,

George