Prodigy refers to a person with exceptional talents. Many musicians consider Mozart a child prodigy. Progeny refers to offspring, children, descendant, or followers. After her brother’s death, she is the last progeny of her parents. Protégé is a male who is guided or helped by someone. As a youth, Justin considered himself a protégé of […]
Difference between Problematic and Problemsome
Problematic is the correct word despite the existence of words such as fearsome, troublesome, and worrisome.
Difference between Principal and Principle
Principal, as an adjective, means foremost. As a noun, it is the head of a school or the amount of money borrowed. Who are the principal developers of the new hardware product? The middle school is getting a new principal for the fall. The mortgage payment includes both principal and interest. Principle is a noun […]
Difference between Preventative and Preventive
Preventive is the preferred spelling, but either is acceptable. Preventive dentistry measures can lead to healthier smiles.
Difference between Pretense and Pretext
Pretense is a false claim or a show of insincere behavior. The drug should not be legalized under any pretense. The compliments we received were all pretense. Pretext is the professed purpose for something, usually false. Mark lost his job under the pretext of being overqualified.
Difference between Presumptive and Presumptuous
Presumptive means presumed. Smith is the presumptive new CEO, though he hasn’t been promoted yet. Presumptuous means arrogant, bold, or forward. It is presumptuous of them to invite themselves to our party.
Difference between Presentiment and Presentment
Presentiment means premonition. The studio has a presentiment that the film will be a success. A presentment is something exhibited or presented. She reimburses you upon presentment of a signed receipt.
Difference between Prescribe and Proscribe
Prescribe means to set down a rule or to order something. The labor law prescribes a standard 40-hour workweek. Perhaps the doctor can prescribe a more effective drug. Proscribe means to condemn, forbid, or prohibit something. The Food and Drug Administration proscribed Laetrile years ago.
Difference between Premise and Premises
Premise refers to an assumption or a supposition. He understands the basic premise of public relations. Premises refers to a house, building, grounds, or other property. Finding the right office premises may improve productivity.
Difference between Premier and Premiere
Premier, as an adjective, means first in importance. As a noun, it means a chief government executive. That is one of the premier magazines on the newsstands today. The premier of that country invited us to his palace for dinner. Premiere means opening night or first public showing. We attended the premiere of “The Phantom […]
Difference between Predominant and Predominate
Predominant, an adjective, means the most common or conspicuous. The predominant view is that he is the best athlete ever. Predominate, a verb, means to prevail or wield greater power or quantity. The good will of the people definitely predominates in this town. Note: Older dictionaries list the words as synonyms if used as adjectives.
Difference between Preclude and Prelude
Preclude means to make impossible or to rule out. Her sore throat will preclude her from singing tonight. Prelude is an action that acts as an introduction to an event. Their actions seemed to be an ironic prelude to disaster. Prelude is also a short musical selection that serves to introduce a larger musical selection. […]