Jerry-built, which carries a negative connotation, refers to a permanent, but poorly built, construction. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it may have derived from the flimsy work of an English construction company called Jerry Brothers. Jury-rigged, which dates to the late 1700s nautical term jury mast, refers to a ship’s temporary mast. […]
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Jealous and Zealous
Jealous means intolerant of competition or suspicious of unfaithfulness. He was jealous about his co-worker’s recent promotion. Her husband shows signs of being jealous and insecure. Zealous means passionate or eager to pursue something. She was zealous in her pursuit of becoming a great musician.
Difference between Jail and Prison
A jail is a short-term detaining facility for those awaiting trial or for those convicted of minor offenses. A prison, sometimes referred to as a penitentiary, is a long-term detaining facility for those convicted of major offenses.
Difference between Ivory tower and Ivy tower
Ivory tower, which refers to a remote place or an attitude of retreat, is the correct phrase. Originally inspired by the Bible’s Song of Solomon, it was Henry James’ 1916 novel of that title that embedded the phrase in the English vocabulary. What does he know about our situation, living as he does in an […]
Difference between Its and It’s
Its is a possessive pronoun that is never split by an apostrophe. Though outdated, our first computer has served its purpose. It’s is the contracted or shortened form of it is. It’s definitely much faster than our first computer. Memory hook: Possessive its never splits.
Difference between Iterate and Reiterate
These words are synonyms that mean to repeat.
Difference between Islet and Eyelet
Islet is a small island. Eyelet is small hole edged with embroidered stitches as part of a design.
Difference between Irrelevant and Irreverent
Irrelevant means not pertinent or not relating to the subject. Some of the testimony in the case seemed to be irrelevant. Irreverent means disrespectful, satirical, or lacking reverence. The Cub Scouts’ irreverent behavior angered the scoutmaster.
Difference between Irregardless and Regardless
Irregardless is a nonstandard word. Avoid its use. Regardless means without regard or unmindful. The foursome plays every Saturday regardless of the weather.
Difference between Inward and Inwards
Inward is preferred in American usage.
Difference between Invaluable and Valueless
Invaluable means of great worth. Her talk gave us an invaluable insight into better living habits. Valueless means worth nothing. The jeweler told us our rings were almost valueless.
Difference between Intolerable and Intolerant
Intolerable means tiring or unbearable. He considered the store’s poor service intolerable. Intolerant means biased, prejudiced, or unwilling to accept. She was intolerant of people who didn’t see things her way.