Word Trippers
Your Word Trippers Collection – 2011 Additions
Here are the *newest* Word Trippers created since Word Trippers was made available in print on Amazon in March 2011. Add these to your Word Trippers Collection today!
Alternate, alternative – “Alternate” as a verb means to interchange repeatedly and regularly, or to do one thing after another in turn—e.g., to switch between walking and jogging. As an adjective, it means being in a constant state of succession or rotation.
“Alternative” as an adjective modifies the choice between two or more things—e.g., alternative possibilities are walking and running. The noun refers to additional choices available—e.g., alternatives to running include dancing and cycling. “When getting fit for sports, I alternate my daily workouts between lifting weights and running; this combination is the best alternative for me among a dozen possibilities.”
Eclectic, esoteric – As an adjective, “eclectic” describes something made up of a variety of styles, methods, ideas, cultures or historic periods; as a noun, it refers to a person who favors such an approach, especially in art or philosophy. “Esoteric” means intended for and understandable by only a small, knowledgeable group; abstruse, cryptic, enigmatic. “The gallery displayed an eclectic array of paintings to appeal to a wide audience, but the cryptic monotypes could only be understood by viewers with esoteric learning.”
Wave, waive – “Wave” (verb) means to move freely and gently back and forth or up and down, as by the action of air currents, sea swells, etc. To “waive” (verb) is to refrain from claiming or insisting on something, to give up, forgo. “With cameras showing the courthouse flags waving in the background, the accused robber told TV reporters he would waive his right to be represented by a lawyer.”
Edition, addition – “Edition” (noun) means one of a series of printings of the same book, newspaper, etc., each issued at a different time and differing from another. “Addition” (noun) refers to the act or process of adding (e.g., two or more numbers into one sum). “The need for many content additions prompted the author to publish a second edition of her book shortly after the first one came out.”
Faze, phase, phase in – “Faze” (verb) means to cause one to be disturbed or disconcerted. “Phase” (used as a verb) refers to scheduling or ordering something so it’s available when needed. “Phase in” means to put into use gradually. “So that starting a writing project doesn’t faze her, she’s learned to explore her ideas on paper first and phase in the review stage later.”
Fictitious, fictional – Fictitious means created, taken, or assumed for the sake of concealment; not genuine; false. Fictional as an adjective refers to the class of literature comprising works of imaginative narration in prose form. “Wanting to hide his identity, he used a fictitious name that he’d borrowed from a fictional character in his favorite novel.”
Extensive, extended – “Extensive” means to a great degree, covering a great area, of great magnitude. “Extended” means stretched, prolonged, lengthened (at times used as a synonym for extensive). “The couple’s extensive European travels required extended credit to cover several unanticipated expenses.”
Afflict, inflict – “Afflict” means to dash down, overthrow, distress with bodily or mental suffering. “Inflict” means to lay on a stroke, blow, wound, or something unwelcome. Afflict pertains to the distress experienced while inflict focuses on the act of administering harm. “She was afflicted by long-term trauma after a robber inflicted a brutal injury on her.”
Ambiguous, ambivalent – “Ambiguous” means having several possible interpretations; equivocal. “Ambivalent” shows mixed feelings about someone or something; having trouble choosing between two (usually opposing) courses of action. “When asked about his weekend plans, he gave an ambiguous answer because he was ambivalent about either going out with friends or watching TV at home.”
Ironic, sarcastic – “Ironic” contains or exemplifies irony—something that conveys the opposite of its literal meaning or an unexpected outcome. “Sarcastic” refers to a harsh or derisive comment used to poke fun or express ridicule; it could also be ironic. “Everyone knew that the employee’s late arrival at the meeting to promote punctuality was ironic, but only one attendee had the nerve to voice a sarcastic greeting, saying, ‘Nice of you to join us.’”
Drastic, dramatic – “Drastic” means with force or violence; extreme; daring. “Dramatic” relates to a drama, especially involving conflict or contrast; vivid, moving, emphatic. “The lifeguard’s drastic action resulted in a dramatic rescue.” (Dick Dale) “The drastic flooding in Thailand has had a dramatic effect on the country’s landscape.” (Joseph Mannix)
Chaste, celibate – “Chaste” (adjective) describes the condition of refraining from sexual intercourse as an expression of morality or religion; virtuous. “Celibate” (noun or adjective) indicates a person who chooses to abstain from sex or marriage, especially for religious reasons (e.g., a Catholic priest). “Chaste” can also mean modest, spotless, or austere. Think of chaste as a condition and celibate as a choice. “Chaste in all things, the priest had no problem remaining celibate.” (Mary Westheimer)
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Don’t Risk Your Ability to Communicate By Using Words that Trip Up Your Readers!
Do you ever get confused knowing the right word to choose? Do pesky pairings like imply vs. infer, accept vs. except, convince vs. persuade trip you up? If you don’t get them right, there’s much at stake:
- Your ability to convey your message clearly and precisely.
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- Even your valued reputation among your peers.
That’s too much to risk!
And that’s why this word choice quide helps you ensure you’re choosing the perfect word every time!
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- John Wolf, author
EXAMPLE #1: Famous, notorious – “Famous” means known widely and favorably, while “notorious” means known widely and unfavorably. “The young actress became famous for her Oscar-nominated role, and then became notoriousfor her drug use and underage drinking.”
EXAMPLE #2: Fewer, less – “Fewer” is used when units or individuals can be counted; less is used with quantities of mass, bulk, or volume. “There are fewer letters to be written today than yesterday.” “The mail takes up less space than I thought it would.” Generally if the word has an “s” at the end, use “fewer” – fewer dollars but less money; fewer muffins but less food.
This must-have word choice guide features 350+ Word Trippers. You’ll find familiar trippers like breath vs. breathe and among vs. between and lots more including—
| Tolerant vs. tolerable Endemic vs. epidemic Aisle vs. isle |
Collegial vs. congenial Soar vs. sore Sallow vs. shallow |
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Remember, if you don’t have a Kindle reader, you can download the software to your computer or smart phone. Here’s the link.
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“As a professional writer, I enjoy the twists of the English language, such as when to use peek or peak, and course or coarse. Like big rocks on a path, I trip over how to use ‘lay vs. lie’ and ‘compose vs. comprise.’ That’s when I peek at Barbara’s Word Trippers ebook and get back on course.”
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