Opaque means no light passing through. The opaque camera cover protected the film. Translucent means light passes through but without clarity. Translucent bond paper is often used for tracing. Transparent means light passes through with clarity. The transparent lid allowed Mom to see the leftovers inside.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Onward and Onwards
Onward is preferred in American usage.
Difference between One of the best and One of the only
Avoid these contradictions. (There can only be one best and one only, so saying one of the best or only doesn’t make sense.)
Difference between One and the same and One in the same
One and the same is the correct phrase.
Difference between On to and Onto
On to is used when on is an adverb and to is a preposition. The engineers then moved on to the next phase of the project. Onto means to move to a position or to be aware of something. You can transfer pictures onto your computer in a few steps. We are onto your plan […]
Difference between On tenderhooks and On tenterhooks
On tenterhooks, meaning to be as tense as the canvas being stretched into a tent, is the correct phrase.
Difference between Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient
Omnipotent means all powerful or unlimited authority. According to most religious people, God is omnipotent. Omnipresent means to be present everywhere simultaneously. Technological change is omnipresent throughout the world. Omniscient means to be all knowing or have total knowledge. If he were omniscient, he would know how Jenny feels.
Difference between Old-fashion and Old-fashioned
Old-fashioned, meaning outdated, is the correct phrase to use. Bob uses an old-fashioned approach for teaching applied math.
Difference between OK and Okay
Avoid these expressions in formal writing. We gave our approval (not OK or okay) to the new project.
Difference between Often and Oftentimes
Often is the preferred and simpler word to use. Often (not oftentimes) we exercise immediately after work.
Difference between Official and Officious
Official, as an adjective, means authorized or formal. As a noun, it means a person who holds an office. Here is an official announcement: schools will be closed Friday. The official always makes the final ruling. Officious means meddling in other people’s affairs. They opposed any officious interference with personal matters.
Difference between Odious, Odoriferous and Odorous
Odious means distasteful or offensive. Jane thinks cleaning the oven is an odious task. Odoriferous means having an odor or fragrance. Perfume is a blend of certain odoriferous substances. Odorous refers to something smelly. The odorous materials need to be placed in plastic bags.