Debar means to bar from a place or to prevent from exercising a right. Many states debar people under 21 from alcohol and tobacco. Disbar means to expel from the bar or the legal profession. He avoided prosecution, but they may still disbar him.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Dearth and Plethora
Dearth refers to a great shortage or scarcity of something. We have a dearth of competent workers to handle the project. Plethora refers to an abundance or excess of something. The holiday season brings a plethora of “Greatest Hits” CDs.
Difference between Deadly and Deathly
Deadly means likely to cause death. Research shows aspirin can reduce the risk of deadly infections. Deathly means like or in the manner of death. After the loss, a deathly silence fell across the stadium.
Difference between Dazed and Dazzled
Dazed means shocked or stunned. After the surgery, he appeared dazed and unsure of where he was. Dazzled means blinded by intense light or amazed by a spectacular display. The brilliant setting sun dazzled our eyes. The figure skater dazzled the audience with her jumps.
Difference between Daylight saving time and Daylight savings time
Daylight saving time is the correct phrase.
Difference between Daughter-in-laws and Daughters-in-law
Daughters-in-law is the correct phrase.
Difference between Data and Datum
Data is the plural of datum. The Census Bureau collects these data from each agency. Note: In technical writing, data (as a collective noun) often takes a singular verb. The online numeric data is restricted to privileged users.
Difference between Dare say and Daresay
Either spelling is acceptable.
Difference between Damp and Dank
Damp refers to moisture, humidity, or slightly wet. The air was too damp to dry anything on the clothes line. Dank means disagreeably damp, humid, or moist. The humid conditions made their finished basement quite dank.
Difference between Damage and Damages
Damage refers to destruction of some kind. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can permanently damage the skin. Damages refer to compensation awarded by a court of law. The court awarded substantial damages to the affected families.
Difference between Cynosure and Sinecure
Cynosure refers to something that strongly attracts attention. “Where perhaps some beauty lies, the cynosure of neighboring eyes.”—Milton Sinecure refers to a position or office that requires little or no responsibilities. “A lucrative sinecure in the Excise.”—Macaulay
Difference between Cynical, Sarcastic and Skeptical
Cynical means contemptuously distrustful of someone’s motives. “Those cynical men who say that democracy cannot be honest and efficient.”—FDR Sarcastic means using bitter or caustic language against someone. The sarcastic clerk cost the store many customers. Skeptical means doubting, questioning, or mistrustful. Candy seemed skeptical when I told her I am seeing a psychic.