Overweening means conceited, overbearing, or pretentious. We feel his overweening ego would not fit with the rest of us. Overwhelming means overpowering in effect or strength. Doctors feel the artificial heart is an overwhelming success.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Overlook and Oversee
Overlook means to fail to notice, to disregard, or to ignore. We overlooked the fact that he failed to win the big game. Oversee means to direct, supervise, or manage. He was hired to oversee the manufacturing site.
Difference between Overdo and Overdue
Overdo means to do in excess. I’ll try not to overdo the caffeine, which is my weakness. Overdue refers to the past time when something is due. His rent was overdue by three months.
Difference between Outward and Outwards
Outward is preferred in American usage.
Outmost vs Upmost vs Utmost
Outmost means outermost or farthest out. Upmost is from the word uppermost and should not be used in American English. Utmost usually means to the greatest degree or intensity.
Difference between Ostensibly and Ostentatiously
Ostensibly means apparently, evidently, or presumably. It’s a story ostensibly for kids, but more appreciated by adults. Ostentatiously is an adverb meaning showy or pretentious. They rarely dress ostentatiously and never flaunt their wealth.
Difference between Oscillate and Osculate
Oscillate means to swing back and forth or to be indecisive. The speed oscillated between 280 rpm and 600 rpm. His political career oscillated between distinction and scandal. Osculate means to kiss or to touch. His chief political skill was osculating the infants of voters.
Difference between Orient and Orientate
Orient is the preferred word. We have plenty of time to orient ourselves to the project.
Difference between Ordinance and Ordnance
Ordinance refers to a decree, law, or regulation. Commissioners are discussing an ordinance to improve the park. Ordnance refers to military equipment or weapons. The technology can help find unexploded ordnance.
Difference between Oral and Verbal
Oral and verbal both refer to things spoken; verbal also refers to things written. Graduate students are required to do an oral report this year. Writer Albert M. Joseph has a verbal mastery of our language.
Difference between Oppress and Repress
Oppress means to tyrannize or treat people in a cruel way. Their goal is to oppress the people of other countries. Repress means to restrain, subdue, or keep under control. Never try not to repress your feelings of joy and happiness.
Difference between Ophthalmologist, Optician and Optometrist
An ophthalmologist is an M.D. who specializes in treating eye diseases. An optician makes and sells glasses and other optical equipment. An optometrist examines one’s vision and prescribes eye glasses.