Confused Words Exercise (87)

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.)

  • Do you mean to __________ that I stole your cell phone?

  • The students are ___________ in learning algebra.

  • The state ____________ is a miniature of the one in Washington D.C.

  • Between the years 1845 and 1855, nearly a million people _______ from Germany to the United States.

  • The agents used torture to ___________ information from the prisoners.

Answers and Explanations

1. Do you mean to imply that I stole your cell phone?

"To imply" means suggest, while "to infer" means to draw a conclusion by reasoning.

2. The students are uninterested in learning algebra.

The word "uninterested" indicates simple lack of interest, while "disinterested" connotes a lack of self-interest in a matter to be decided.

3. The state capitol is a miniature of the one in Washington D.C.

A capitol is a building that serves as a center of government; a capital is the chief city in a country or a state.

4. Between the years 1845 and 1855, nearly a million people emigrated from Germany to the United States.

"To emigrate" is to leave a country with the intention of settling in another. "To immigrate" is to pass into a new country of residence.

5. The agents used torture to elicit information from the prisoners.

"Elicit" is to draw out a response. "Illicit" means not lawful.

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