Inquire is the preferred spelling, but either is acceptable.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Enormity and Enormousness
Enormity means immensely outrageous or wicked. The enormity of the defendant’s crimes surprised the entire jury. Enormousness refers to an object’s large size. The enormousness of the new county facility amazed us.
Difference between Enervate, Innervate and Invigorate
Enervate means to drain energy or weaken something. The continuous hot and humid weather enervated all of us. Innervate means to stimulate a nerve or muscle. Atrophy occurs when the cells that innervate the muscle die. Invigorate means to energize something. The brisk morning swim invigorated Harry and Greg.
Difference between Endnotes and Footnotes
Endnotes go at the end of chapters, and footnotes go at the foot (or bottom) of pages.
Difference between Endless and Innumerable
Endless means without end, boundless, or interminable. The therapy prevents injury with an endless array of exercises. Innumerable means too many to count (countless). Yoga offers innumerable benefits to those seeking good health.
Difference between Endemic and Epidemic
Endemic means peculiar to a given country or people. The fish are endemic to the waters of the Hawaiian Islands. An epidemic is something, usually a disease, that breaks out suddenly and affects many people. The polio epidemic still plagues some communities.
Difference between Enclose and Inclose
Enclose is preferred in American usage. Please enclose your latest resume with the job application.
Difference between En route and On route
En route, meaning on the way, is the correct phrase. We were told the package is en route from the factory.
Emulate vs Simulate
Emulate means strive to equal or excel, usually through imitation. The new TV comedy tried to emulate another popular show. Simulate means to take on the appearance of something. The testing laboratory can simulate an actual aircraft landing.
Difference between Empirical and Imperial
Empirical means verifiable or provable by means of observation or experiment. No empirical evidence exists to suggest the accused was anywhere near the crime. Imperial means relating to or suggestive of an empire or a sovereign. Unfortunately, they acted on their imperial impulses and invaded the small country.
Difference between Empathy and Sympathy
Empathy is the ability to relate to someone. Having been poor as a child, Harry Chapin always had empathy for the hungry. Sympathy means feeling sorry for someone. The club conveyed its sympathy to the widow with a gift basket.
Difference between Emollient and Emolument
Emollient refers to a softening, soothing, or less harsh effect. He took a more emollient approach than his harsh predecessor. Emolument refers to salary, wages, or perquisites. The emolument rate for late-night work will be increased.