Confused Words Exercise (500)

In each sentence, choose the correct word from the pair of similar terms. (If both words possibly can be correct, choose the more plausible one.)

  • The ______ explorer shouldered his pack and trudged on, determined that despite his fatigue, he would reach his destination by nightfall.

  • He’s experiencing __________ about the program.

  • This documentary about a quiet monk on a pilgrimage is also a _________ travelogue.

  • Since then, I’ve developed a new _________ on the issue.

  • After spending hours trudging in the mud through the rainstorm, he looked like a _______.

Answers and Explanations

1. The hardy explorer shouldered his pack and trudged on, determined that despite his fatigue, he would reach his destination by nightfall.

hardy: tough, durable. "The hardy tree survived another severe winter."
hearty: strong, energetic, or satisfying. "Their appetites stimulated by their exertions, they sat down to a hearty, well-deserved meal."

2. He’s experiencing disillusion about the program.

disillusion: disenchantment. "Disillusion often follows exaggerated expectations."
dissolution: making something end or stop. "The dissolution of their marriage quickly followed."

3. This documentary about a quiet monk on a pilgrimage is also a picturesque travelogue.

picaresque: concerning an episodic tale featuring the exploits of a lovable rascal. "The antihero’s picaresque antics become wearying after a while."
picturesque: visually appealing. "The picturesque landscape was marred by the march of housing subdivisions over the low, rolling hills."

4. Since then, I’ve developed a new perspective on the issue.

perspective: point of view. "What’s your perspective about her behavior?"
prospective: possible, potential. "You don’t want to alienate prospective customers."

5. After spending hours trudging in the mud through the rainstorm, he looked like a wretch.

retch (verb): vomit, or attempt to vomit. "The disgusting sight made me retch."
wretch (noun): an unfortunate person. "You are a pitiful wretch."

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