Confused Words Exercise (774)
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.)
Answers and Explanations
1. Don’t pander to the crowd; do what you think is right.
pamper: coddle, spoil. "I’ve never been one to pamper children, and I won’t start now."
pander: provide what is wanted when what is wanted is not the best choice. "As usual, the candidates will pander to short-term interests instead of carrying out a vision for the future."
2. He was ambivalent about his support for the candidate.
ambiguous: having more than one possible meaning. "The statement was ambiguous, leaving her as confused as before about his opinion."
ambivalent: having contradictory attitude or feelings, or uncertainty. "I feel ambivalent about allowing her to go alone."
3. I can’t help but infer from the evidence that you are an accomplice.
imply: suggest without stating explicitly. "I wasn’t trying to imply that I agree with her."
infer: form an opinion or reach a conclusion, or hint. "Am I to infer that you are responsible for this controversy?"
4. The components of the project will be completed in consecutive stages; phase 1 will begin in July, and phase two will follow in September.
concurrent: occurring at the same time. "He had to choose between the two concurrent classes."
consecutive: occurring sequentially. "She won medals in consecutive championships from 2010 to 2012."
5. We were assigned to estimate and then measure the perimeter of the building.
parameter: controlling rule or limit. "Each member of the team was assigned to propose one parameter for the project."
perimeter: outside edge. "The sentries patrolled the perimeter of the encampment."
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