Here are some words that sound similar but have very different meanings:
Complement vs. Compliment
Complement means to go well with, supplement.
Compliment means to flatte
Complementary vs. Complimentary
Complementary means goes well with, or acts as a complement.
Complimentary means offering flattery or praise. It also means free.
Assent vs. Ascent
Assent means to agree or approve.
Ascent means the act of moving upward.
Amiable vs. Amicable
Amiable means friendly and refers to a person.
Amicable means friendly and refers to a relationship.
Refer vs. Recommend
Refer means to send or direct for treatment or information.
(There are other meanings for "refer," but this is the one that gets confused with "recommend.")
Recommend means to endorse.
What word pairs trip you up? Please share in the comments!
-Maria
Maria Murnane writes bestselling novels about life, love and friendship. Have questions? You can find her at www.mariamurnane.com.
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