The Rite? Word: Part 4

Susan Pierotti, Creative Text Solutions English is a language rich in adjectives and adverbs, words that provide precise definitions for things and situations that can’t be expressed in other languages. For instance, did you know that no Frenchman has a home? There is no word for home in French, only house/maison, or that you are going to our home, chez nous. As inheritors of this enormously descriptive tongue, let’s savour the distinctions between words that look and sound alike. Let’s enjoy them and not whinge that spelling is too hard or complicated. Here are my last few word groups. Elicit and illicit The “licit” part of both these words is from a Latin term meaning “to be permitted”. [caption id="attachment_207" align="alignright" width="150"] These directors are NOT engaged in illicit activities.[/caption] Elicit: to draw out or coax. Illicit: illegal or unlawful. The illicit dealings of the directors elicited an unfavourable response from the shareholders. If you can't remember which one to use, the "e" in elicit has the same meaning as the the "e" in "exit"( that is, "out"), whereas the "ill"in illicit is self-explanatory. Farther and further Farther: a physical, measureable distance. Further: a figurative distance. Further planning meant that we were able to go farther than Uluru for our holiday. [caption id="attachment_208" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Uluru, Australia[/caption] Imply and infer Imply: what the speaker or writer does; that is, to suggest. Infer: what the listener or reader does; that is, to deduce. If I implied that you're going to receive a raise, you might infer that a pay increase is imminent. Eminent and imminent Eminent: distinguished, well known, renowned, famous. Imminent: about to happen. Please don’t confuse these two! Many a person has been described as being about to happen when he or she probably expected to be announced as famous or distinguished in their field. They awaited the imminent arrival of the eminent scientists with great excitement. English is a difficult language with precise meanings of words. If you are ever stuck for the right (nor rite!) word, the services of a professional proofreading and copyediting service will assist you with accurate and comprehensible spelling. Contact www.creativetext.com.au for further assistance.