Confusing Words Clarified Group I

Confusing Words Clarified Group I

http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/4340/?letter=C&spage=21

More and More Confusion with Language Usage
Dictionaries differ in their definitions of homographs, homonyms, and homophones which are closely related terms, some of them giving homonym and homophone as synonymous. This is considered a needless source of confusion, especially since the distinctions can be clearly analyzed from the derivations of the respective words.
First, homographs are words that are spelled alike but pronounced differently. Examples would be tear, as in crying tears and tear, as in tearing cloth.
Second, homonyms are words that are spelled alike and sound alike but, because they have different origins, have different meanings. Bear, the animal, and bear, to carry, are homonyms.
Third, homophones are words that are not spelled alike but have the same sound. Peace and piece are homophones.
 
A well-known nursery rhyme gives us an example of homophones exaggerated:
 
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear.
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy, was he?
No, he was a bare bear!

idiopathic, idiopathy
idiopathic (id" ee oh PATH ik, id "ee uh PATH ik)
Characterized as happening spontaneously or developing from an unknown cause: "His brown eyes were idiopathic because everyone else in the family had blue eyes."
"Any disease that is of uncertain or unknown origin may be termed idiopathic."
idiopathy (id" ee AHP uh thee)
1. A disease of indeterminate cause; a spontaneous or primary disease: "My friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which seemed to appear as an idiopathy."
2. Happening spontaneously or developing from an unknown cause: "The idiopathy of the new gene puzzled everyone in the laboratory."
 
idle, idol, idyll, idyllic
idle (IGHD'l)
1. Inactive, not working, not active, or not being used: "Too many factories have been standing idle during these last months."
2. Not having any purpose or value: "So many people have become idle because they can't find jobs."
3. To make people or some things stop working: "Because of the bad economy, thousands of workers have been forced to be idle."
idol (IGHD'l)
1. An object or picture that is worshiped as a god: "The idol in the temple had many who were present to worship it."
2. Someone who is greatly loved or admired: "She was an actress who was the idol of thousands of people."
idyll, idyl (IGHD'l)
1. A work of art, including writing, that includes rustic or rural life: "He wrote an idyll about his childhood on his father's farm in the country."
2. A narrative poem about an epic or romantic theme: "Tennyson's Idylls of the King is considered by some to be the most famous idyll in English."
3. A scene or event of a simple and tranquil nature: "She recalls living a pastoral idyll as a child."
idyllic (igh DIL ik)
Very peaceful, happy, and enjoyable: "The brothers recalled the joy of having lived an idyllic childhood together."
"The neighbors told us about the pleasures they had during their idyllic vacation in the country last year."
Luck is the idol of the idle who have written about their idyll days away from cities and lived in idyllic conditions.
 
ileum, ilium
ileum (IL ee uhm)
Division of the small intestine: "Ileitis is an inflammation of the ileum."
ilium (IL ee uhm)
One of the bones composing the pelvis: "A fracture of the ilium can be very slow to heal."
 
imbrue, imbue
imbrue (im BROO) (尤其指血)弄濕,弄濕透,弄髒
To discolor or to stain: "The weaver used walnut skins to create the dark brown dye with which to imbrue the yarns he was using."
imbue (im BYOO) 使充滿;灌輸;深深影響;使滲透
To influence in a permanent fashion: "The new ideas seemed to imbue the students with a keen enthusiasm for their work."
 
imitate, intimate, intimate, intimidate
imitate (IM i tayt")
1. To make or to do something the same way as something else: "Our competitors are trying to imitate the same products that we have been producing for years."
2. To copy another person's behavior, sound, appearance, etc.; to follow the example of; to take as one's model; and to impersonate or to mimic: "He's very good at trying to imitate his father's voice."
intimate (IN tuh mit, IN tuh muht)
1. Having a very close relationship; very warm and friendly: "They remained intimate friends throughout their lives."
2. The most private or personal relationship or being closely acquainted or associated; very familiar: "We have an intimate friendship with our neighbors."
intimate (IN tuh mayt")
1. To say or to suggest something in an indirect way; to hint or to imply: "He tried to intimate that we should plan to arrive early for our next business meeting."
2. To make known subtly and indirectly; to hint: "During our conversation, she attempted to intimate that she was not happy with her job."
intimidate (in TIM i dayt")
1. To make someone afraid or insecure: "He tries to intimidate his political opponents with hidden threats."
2. To frighten into submission, compliance, or acquiescence: "Sometimes a lawyer will intimidate a witness in order to make that person say something that will weaken his/her testimony."
I didn't want to imitate nor intimidate what he was about to intimate to his intimate friend.
 
immoral, immortal
immoral (i MAWR uhl, i MAHR uhl)
Behavior or beliefs that conflict with perceived traditional and acceptable ways of behavior: "Because she chose a stage career, her family thought she had fallen into an immoral way of life."
immortal (i MAWR t'l)
1. Having eternal life or existence; never dying, undying: "Many religions teach that when a person lives a holy life or follows the precepts of a certain theology, that person will be immortal after leaving this mortal life."
2. Qualities of unending or lasting fame or existence: "The emperor thought he was immortal and refused to accept the fact that he was getting old."
 
immunity, impunity
immunity (i MYOO ni tee)
1. A state of being able to resist disease by counteracting its effects: "She had already developed immunity to measles and was able to help nurse her younger brother when he was ill."
2. A condition whereby a person is protected or exempt from certain normal civil rules; implies freedom from or protection against something disagreeable or menacing: "His status as an ambassador gave him immunity from being questioned by the police."
impunity (im PYOO ni tee)
A state of being safe from or free from punishment, penalty, or harm: "He acted with impunity, knowing that he would not be prosecuted by the police."
 
impassable, impassible, impossible
impassable (im PAS uh buhl)
Unable to be traveled or overcome: "The severe snow storm made the roads in the mountains impassable."
impassible (im PAS i buhl)
Characterized as being incapable of feelings; immune to pain or suffering: "Her face was a masque, impassible to the suffering around her."
impossible (im PAHS i buhl)
Unacceptable, awkward, incapable of happening: "Until 40 years ago, it was believed that it was impossible to fly to the moon."
It was impossible to read his impassible expression at the news of the efforts of their friends to cross the impassable mountain pass during the winter.
 
impetuous, vehement
impetuous (im PECH yoo uhs)
Marked by impulsiveness, often without forethought: "Her decision to go on holidays was impetuous and surprised everyone."
vehement (VEE uh muhnt)
Marked by powerful and deeply felt feelings: "He was vehement in his denunciation of the nasty articles in the newspaper."
 
impinge, infringe
impinge (im PINJ)
1. To hit or to strike something: "Such loud musical sounds that some people play on their car radios can impinge on their eardrums, causing temporary or even permanent hearing damage."
2. To affect the limits of something; especially, a right or law, often causing some kind of restriction: "His lawyer argued that such publicity would impinge on his client's right to a just trial."
infringe (in FRINJ)
To enter into someplace in a manner that violates the law: "When you walk across my lawn, you infringe on my rights to privacy."
 
impostor, imposture
impostor (im PAHS tuhr)
A pretender or someone who engages in deception under an assumed name or identity: "The prime minister revealed that his assistant was an imposter, trying to find out secrets from the prime minister office."
imposture (im PAHS chuhr)
Deception by fraudulent impersonation or an instance of deception under an assumed name or identity: "The history of crime contains many an incredible imposture."
 
imprudent, impudent
imprudent (im PROOD n't)
Unwise or indiscreet about handling practical matters; not exercising good judgment or common sense: "It was imprudent of her to borrow the money from her brother."
impudent (IM pyuh duhnt, IM pyoo duhnt)
1. Showing a lack of respect and excessive boldness: "Mother was concerned because I seemed to be impudent towards her older friends."
2. Characterized by offensive boldness; insolent or impertinent: "The little boy’s impudent behavior earned him an early to bed time."
Imprudent is when someone suffers from acute indiscretion.
Impudent is the proof that man does not live by bread alone, but also by crust (being rude and impertinent; self-assertiveness; nerve; gall). Evan Esar
 
in, inn
in (IN)
1. Within the limits, bounds, or area of: "You are in your rights to ask for catsup to eat with your fries."
2. From the outside to a point within; into: "After standing in the door way, she finally was walking in the room."
inn (IN)
A public lodging house serving food and drink to travelers; a hotel: "We stayed at a charming inn during our mountain vacation."
When we arrived at the inn, we inquired whether we were in time for dinner. After standing in the doorway, we were invited in to sit down.
 
inane, insane
inane (in AYN)
1. Very silly or stupid: "She keeps interrupting me with her inane comments."
2. Empty, vacant; lacking sense or meaning; foolish, silly: "I quickly got tired of their inane questions."
insane (in SAYN)
Having or showing severe mental illness; mentally ill or deranged: "The murderer was found to be criminally insane."
 
incidence, incidents
incidence (IN si duhns)
The scope or extent of an occurrence or influence of something: "The incidence of measles in the village was high."
incidents (IN si duhnts)
1. Behaviors likely to lead to serious consequences: "There were several incidents of the mayor undermining the union during the strike that made the union members very angry."
2. Several happenings or events as a result of or in connection with something more important: "We remembered the happy incidents of our childhood when we went to the beaches and got sunburned."
 
incipient, insipient
incipient (in SIP ee uhnt)
Beginning to exist or to appear: "It seems as if there is an incipient personnel problem."
"The project is still in its incipient stages."
insipient (in SIP ee uhnt)
A lack of wisdom; foolishness: "His insipient decisions were absolutely unacceptable."
"Another insipient politician was more than the voters could accept."
 
incite, insight
incite (in SIGHT)
To stir up, spur on, arouse, or provoke to action: "It is easier to incite a mob than to disperse it."
insight (in SIGHT)
1. The ability to understand people and situations in a very clear way: "Penetrating insight is given to a few who must lead the others."
2. To discern the true nature of a situation: "We need to gain insight into the economic situation that is going on in the world."
 
incoherent, inchoate
incoherent (in" koh HIR uhnt)
Lacking orderly cohesion or relevance; not logically connected; disjointed; rambling; lacking orderly continuity: "She was so upset by the accident that her speech was incoherent."
inchoate (in KOH it)
Initial rudimentary formulation of something; just begun; in the early stage; rudimentary; not yet clearly or completely formed or organized; imperfectly formulated; such as, an idea: "His inchoate formulation of the new theory intrigued his students."
 
incompetence, incompetents
incompetence (in KAHM pi tuhns)
Characterized by being inadequate or unsuitable for effective action: "Her glaring incompetence caused a significant delay in completing the project."
incompetents (in KAHM pi tuhnts)
Individuals who are unsuitable for a specific task: "He was disturbed by the incompetents that the employment agency sent to him."
 
inconceivable, unthinkable
inconceivable (in" kuhn SEE vuh buhl)
Impossible to understand: "It was inconceivable that the professor wrote such an unsubstantiated article about the president of the university."
unthinkable (un THING kuh buhl)
1. Impossible to be understood by the mind or contrary to reasonable expectations: "It was unthinkable that the children should be expected to walk so far."
2. Inconceivable to imagine or to believe: "It was unthinkable that the teacher was leaving the school before the end of the semester."
 
incredible, incredulous
incredible (in KRED uh buhl)
Unbelievable: "The modern world is accepting many incredible happenings as reality."
incredulous (in KREJ uh luhs)
Unbelieving: "Some men have been deceived so often that they have become incredulous of even ordinary events."
 
indeterminable, indeterminate
indeterminable (in" di TUR muh nuh buhl)
Not able to be settled or decided in a definite manner: "The date for completing the project is indeterminable at this time."
indeterminate (in" di TUR muh nit)
Inconclusive, unable to determine a specific answer: "The outcome of the chemistry experiment was indeterminate and puzzling."
 
indict, indite
indict (in DIGHT)
To make formal charges of crime in due form of the law: "It is much easier to indict than to convict."
indite (in DIGHT)
To write; especially, formally: "Few people now indite an epistle; instead, they scribble a note."
 
indigenous, indigent
indigenous (in DIJ uh nuhs)
Native to a place; existing or produced naturally in a region or country: "Tobacco was indigenous to the New World or the Western Hemisphere."
indigent (IN di juhnt)
Poor, needy, lacking money; poverty; destitute: "Every society must make some provisions for the indigent."
"The clinic provides free medical care for indigent patients."
 
indignant, indignity
indignant (in DIG nuhnt)
1. Filled with anger caused by something unworthy or mean: "She was indignant when she read the mean spirited article in the newspaper."
2. Feeling or showing anger because of something that is unfair or wrong; especially, because of an unjust, mean treatment, or action: "She was very indignant about the excessive charges made by the taxi driver."
indignity (in DIG ni tee)
1. A behavior which offends, humiliates, or insults: "The comments in the newspaper suggested a great indignity had been given to the visiting scholar."
2. An act or occurrence which hurts someone's dignity or pride or self-respect; an affront: "So many elderly people seem to find it necessary to endure one indignity after another as a result of growing old."
 
indiscreet, indiscrete
indiscreet (in" di SKREET)
Lacking discretion (without good judgment and sensitivity needed to avoid embarrassing or upsetting others); injudicious: "He was making so many indiscreet remarks that the audience started to walk out because they were unable to tolerate such indiscretions."
indiscrete (in" di SKREET)
Not divided or divisible into separate parts: "There were layers of pages that were fused into an indiscrete bulky mass."
 
inequity, iniquity
inequity (in EK wi tee)
Injustice, unfair treatment: "The inequity of punishing an innocent man shocked the whole city."
iniquity (i NIK wi tee)
Wickedness, being unfair or evil: "The consistent iniquity of so many discourages any hope of a Utopia."
"Too many people in the world are plagued by corruption and iniquity."
 
inert, insert, inset
inert (in URT)
1. Very slow, sluggish, lacking the ability to move: "I was so tired after the marathon, I felt inert."
2. Not having the anticipated reaction either chemically or biologically: "The chemistry formula proved to be inert and not dangerous."
insert (in SURT)
1. To put or to incorporate anything into the body of something else: "While editing the manuscript, the professor suggested a new paragraph to insert into the text."
2. That which is included within the body of something else: "The newspaper had a special insert about the car race."
inset (IN set", in SET)
A small representation or part which is incorporated into the larger body of an item: "There was an inset on the map showing the larger cities."
 
infectious, contagious
infectious (in FEK shuhs)
Capable of spreading or communicating: "Her enthusiasm for her work was infectious."
"The disease is infectious and requires medical attention."
contagious (kuhn TAY juhs)
1. Disease or infection that is spread by contact: "Her cough was highly contagious and she wore a mask to be sure others did not become ill, too."
2. An influence or mood that spreads rapidly: "The long sunny days created a contagious sense of well being."
 
infer, imply, insinuate
infer (in FUR)
To come to a conclusion based on facts or observations; to conclude from certain evidence (literally, to bring in, to deduce): "We could infer there was a forest fire because we saw the smoke on the horizon."
imply (im PLIGH)
To suggest a consequence rather than to make a clear statement: "He seemed to imply that the meeting was over without actually saying it."
insinuate (in SIN yoo ayt")
1. To insert something into a context with an indirect suggestion: "He appeared to insinuate that the man was dishonest by questioning his integrity."
2. To gradually make oneself a part of a group, a person's life, etc.; often by behaving in a dishonest way: "She stood next to the speaker hoping to insinuate herself into the conversation."
"He has managed to insinuate himself into the city's highest social circles."
Speakers and writers imply; listeners and readers infer from what the speaker has implied.
Careful speakers and writers distinguish between these two words, using imply to mean, "indicate without saying outright"; and infer to mean, "draw a conclusion by reasoning".
"Sam's warm smile implied that he was pleased to see us.
We inferred from Sam's warm smile that he was pleased to see us."

Imply, Infer

What I imply, I hint. What you infer
Is what you think I hinted. Better, madam/sir,
To say "hello" in error for "good-by"
Than to say infer in error for imply. Billard R. Espy in his book
Say It My Way; Doubleday & Company, Inc.;
Garden City, New York; 1980, page 152.

infidel, infidelity
infidel (IN fi duhl, IN fi del")
1. A person who does not believe in a religion which another person regards as the true religion: "Even in modern times, we hear about someone who condemns another person of being an infidel."
2. An individual who does not profess a religious belief: "As a free thinker, he thought of himself as an infidel with no religious affiliation."
infidelity (in" fi DEL i tee)
The act or fact of having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than one's husband, wife, or partner: "She filed for divorce on the basis of her husband infidelity with his fellow worker."
 
informant, informer
informant (in FOR muhnt)
An individual who discloses information often in response to interrogation: "Because he had been an informant to the police, the man was shunned by his neighbors."
informer (in FOR muhr)
An individual who discloses knowledge or information, often about another individual, and who is typically paid for such information: "The police informer was paid a large sum for the information leading to the arrest of the gang members."
 
ingenious, ingenuous
ingenious (in JEEN yuhs)
Characterized by an aptitude for invention and resourcefulness; being clever, tricky, or shrewd: "She was ingenious in her ability to modify recipes."
ingenuous (in JEN yoo uhs)
Characterized by a childlike candor, without subtlety; open, frank, innocent: "She brought an ingenuous perspective to the problem at hand."
 
innocence, innocents
innocence (IN uh suhns)
1. Unsophisticated, lacking in worldly awareness: "Our visiting cousin from abroad demonstrated a delightful innocence when we showed her the highlights of the city."
2. Not guilty of a crime or offence: "The judge determined the innocence of the man on trial and released him."
innocents (IN uh suhnts)
1. Individuals who are not guilty of an offense or crime: "The three men who had been charged were in fact wrongly accused innocents."
2. Lacking in the knowledge of evil: "Children are often described as innocents."
 
insidious, invidious
insidious (in SID ee uhs)
1. The gradual onslaught of an illness or disease in such a manner that it is entrenched before being discovered: "The insidious nature of his illness distressed both the patient and the doctor."
"Most people with this insidious disease have no idea that they are infected."
2. Harmful but seen as something which is desirable: "The insidious nature of drug addiction often confuses people."
invidious (in VID ee uhs)
That which may cause discontent, envy, jealousy, or resentment: "The invidious nature of the newspaper article created a sense of anger among the home owners."
 
insolate, insulate, isolate
insolate (IN soh layt", in SOH layt")
To expose to sunlight: "We are going to the beach to insolate ourselves and get a suntan."
insulate (IN suh layt", INS yuh layt")
1. To cause to be in a detached position: "Being a scientific theorist tended to insulate the man from his surroundings."
2. To prevent the passage of heat, electricity, or sound into or out of, especially by surrounding with a nonconducting material: "The electrician used a special tape to insulate the electrical cords."
isolate (IGH suh layt")
1. To set apart or cut off from others: "To prevent cheating on the examinations, the professor chose to isolate the students who were using their laptop computers."
2. To place in quarantine: "The doctors decided to isolate the children with measles so other children would not become ill."
3. To render free of external influence: "Living in the remote mountains tended to isolate the residents from modern civilization."
 
insolation, insulation, isolation
insolation (in" soh LAY shuhn)
The act, or an instance of, exposing to sunlight; including, therapeutic exposure to sunlight: "People are cautioned against too much insolation which could result in sunstroke or heat stroke; which is characterized by convulsions, coma, and excessive body heat."
insulation (in" suh LAY shuhn, ins" yuh LAY shuhn)
A material or substance that is used to stop heat, electricity, or sound from going into or out of something: "They used fiberglass insulation in the house."
isolation (igh" suh LAY shuhn)
Being in a place or situation that is separate from others: "The isolation of the mountain community has existed for many decades."
 
insoluble, insolvable, insolvent
insoluble (in SAHL yuh buhl)
1. Characterized by having no explanation or solution: "The mathematics problem appeared to the students to be insoluble."
2. Impossible, or practically impossible, to dissolve in a liquid: "The mixture appeared to be insoluble under those test tube conditions."
insolvable (in SAHL vuh buhl)
Having no solution or answer; not explainable, unsolvable: "She reached an insolvable stalemate while playing her computer Solitaire game."
insolvent (in SAHL vuhnt)
Not having sufficient funds to pay debts as they come due; bankrupt; unable to pay an obligation or something that was borrowed: "The man was humiliated to admit to being insolvent when speaking with his creditors."
"His company became insolvent last week."
 
inspiration, expiration
inspiration (in" spuh RAY shuhn)
1. The inhalation, or breathing in, of air: "The doctor measured her rate of inspiration because she had been ill with a lung infection."
2. To have the action or power to influence emotions or intellect: "Her work was an inspiration to others to volunteer to work in the remote village."
expiration (ek" spuh RAY shuhn)
1. To exhale or to breathe out: "When I fell, the expiration of my breath was sudden and I gasped for air."
2. The end or termination of something: "The expiration date on the contract will be approaching soon."
 
instance, instants
instance (IN stuhns)
An example to illustrate a situation or to make a point: "Her falling on the stairs was one more instance of the need for safety rails."
instants (IN stuhnts)
1. Characterized as happening immediately; imminent; without delay: "The chef required but an instants notice to prepare a fine meal."
2. An infinitely short space of time: "For a couple of instants, I forgot where I was."
 
instigate, institute, institute
instigate (IN sti gayt")
To urge, encourage, goad, incite, or to provoke: "The angry boy on the playground tried to instigate a fight with the others."
"The rebels tried to instigate a revolution."
institute (IN sti toot", IN sti tyoot"), noun
1. An organization to promote education and learning: "We attended the institute in the city to learn new teaching skills."
2. A group created for a particular purpose; such as, research or education: "They founded an institute for research into the causes of mental illness, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, etc."
institute (IN sti toot", IN sti tyoot"), verb
To begin or to create something; such as, a new law, rule, or system: "The teachers sought to institute a reading clinic for students in the community."
"The are trying to institute new policies to increase public safety."
 
integration, segregation
integration (in" ti GRAY shuhn)
The incorporation of individuals as equals into the mainstream of a social organization: "The new law will ensure the integration of all students who attend school."
segregation (seg" ri GAY shuhn)
1. The practice or policy of keeping people of different races, religions, genders, etc., separate from each other: "They fought to end the segregation of public schools."
2. The enforced separation of groups in a manner that is discriminatory: "The laws governing school segregation have been declared illegal."
 
intelligent, intelligible, intellectual
intelligent (in TEL uh juhnt)
1. Possessing and using good judgment, problem solving, and advanced thinking: "She appeared to be intelligent as reflected in her positive choices and decisions."
2. Having the ability to learn and to understand what is being learned: "The class was characterized as being quite intelligent."
intelligible (in TEL i juh buhl)
That which is able to be understood or comprehended: "In her speech, she made many relevant and intelligible comments on the topic of water conservation."
intellectual (in" tl EK choo uhl)
1. Inclined towards or interested in things that require the use of thought and reflection: "He always liked intellectual pursuits; such as, studying poetry and the classics."
2. Possessing or suggesting the possession of a high level of critical thinking: "She had a fine intellectual face that matched her wits and conversational skills."
 
intense, intents
intense (in TENS)
1. Deep feelings; having or showing strong emotions: "She felt an intense loyalty to her old school friends."
2. Characteristic of extremes: "The intense heat was almost unbearable."
intents (in TENTS)
1. For practical purposes or reasons: "For all intents and purposes, the decision to fly to the west coast was a good one."
2. Planned or purposeful actions; one's mental attitudes, including purposes, at the time of doing an act: "His criminal intents were well known to the courts."
 
intension, intention
intension (in TEN shuhn)
Rarely used, meaning determination, strong use of the mind: "Her intension to complete the examination despite feeling ill was admirable."
intention (in TEN shuhn)
1. A resolution to act in a specific manner: "It is our intention to cross the desert at night to avoid the intense heat."
2. Something that a person plans to do or to achieve: "She seemed to think that her brother was trying to cause problems, but that was never his intention."
 
intercession, intersession
intercession (in" tuhr SESH uhn)
A request or prayer directed on behalf of another person: "The religious leader lead a prayer of intercession for the health and safety of the family."
intersession (IN tuhr sesh" uhn)
The time period between two sessions of academic instruction: "She used the intersession at school to find a job."
 
inter; intern, inturn
inter (in TUR)
1. To bury a dead person: "The arrangements to inter my uncle were made by his children."
2. As a prefix, happening or occurring between something or things: "The interface of printed pages and the colored illustrations made the book very interesting."
intern (IN turn")
1. A student of graduate academic standing completing professional training under the supervision of a qualified instructor: "She was an intern at the hospital, completing her training as a paediatrician."
2. To place in confinement or a restricted environment for political reasons: "Many governments choose to intern their citizens in response to certain governmental fears."
inturn (IN turn")
An inward turn or curve around an axis or fixed point: "He wore special shoes to correct the in-turn of his toes."
 
interment, internment
interment (in TUR muhnt)
The ceremony of burial: "The interment of my uncle was accompanied by special prayers and beautiful music."
internment (in TURN muhnt)
The state or condition of being imprisoned or confined: "The internment of certain members of the community caused a great deal of outrage."
 
inter-mural, intermural; intramural
inter-mural, intermural (in tuhr MYOOR uhl)
Involving participants between two or more educational institutions, athletic clubs, or other groups; literally, between the walls: "There were friendly inter-mural debates scheduled among the rival schools."
intramural (in truh MYOOR uhl)
Existing or carried on within the bounds of an institution; especially, a school, athletic club, or a group; literally, within the walls: "I signed up to play intramural soccer at our school."
 
international, intranational
international (in" tuhr NASH uh nuhl, in" tuhr NASH nuhl)
Relating to or consisting of two or more nations: "She went to school to study international commerce."
intranational (in" truh NASH uh nuhl; in" truh NASH nuhl)
Existing or occurring within the boundaries of a single nation, rather than involving different nations: "Voting for the President of the United States is an intranational event and international participation is not permitted."
 
interpellate, interpolate
interpellate (in TUR pel" ayt, in tuhr" puh LAYT)
To question formally: "It became necessary to interpellate the mayor regarding the charges of corruption."
interpolate (in TUR puh layt")
To insert or to place someone or something between two or more things or people: "He likes to interpolate clever quotations from various writers into his speeches."
 
interstate, intestate, intrastate
interstate (IN tuhr stayt")
Between two or more states: "The federal government is authorized by the Constitution to regulate interstate commerce."
intestate (in TES tayt", in TES tit)
Not having a valid will: "When he died, his property was intestate because he did not think to write his will."
intrastate (in" truh STAYT)
Within one state: "Intrastate commerce is regulated by each state."
The intrastate rules governing estates which are left intestate do not apply to interstate situations.
 
invade, inveighed
invade (in VAYD)
1. To enter a territory for the purpose of conquest: "The ships sought to invade the country by sailing up the river."
2. Progressively injurious: "Without treatment, the doctors were afraid that gangrene would invade the wound."
inveighed (in VAYD)
Having complained or protested strongly and bitterly: "The populace inveighed against the building of the highway so close to the village."
 
invalid, invalid
invalid (IN vuh lid)
Information lacking in truth or logical foundation: "Her findings were invalid due to an error in calculation."
invalid (in VAL id)
Someone who is ill and unable to perform typical responsibilities: "His father was an invalid for many years and confined to a wheelchair."
The health insurance was invalid for the poor invalid.
 
invocation, benediction
invocation (in" vuh KAY shuhn)
1. A formula or recitation for conjuring or creating something: "The children pretended to be wizards and recited an invocation, hoping to make their milk into ice cream."
2. A process for asking for support, help, or intercession: "The invocation at the beginning of the church service set the tone for the minister’s sermon."
benediction (ben" i DIK shuhn)
An utterance of good wishes, often at the end of a religious service: "The minister gave his benediction to the congregation at the end of the service."
Generally, an invocation comes at the beginning and a benediction comes at the end of a ceremony or religious service, etc.
The word invocation has Latin ancestors in invocare, meaning "to invoke"; for example, to call on (a higher power) for assistance, support, or inspiration".
A benediction expresses "good wishes" or "a blessing". It has ancestors in the Latin phrase bene dicere, meaning "to speak well" or "to praise". It is often associated with prayer, but not necessarily.
 
invoke, revoke
invoke (in VOHK)
To appeal for or to make an earnest request: "He sought to invoke the help of his friends when he was building a new barn."
revoke (ri VOHK)
To take or to call back, to annul: "Because of his bad driving record, the police decided to revoke his driving license."
 
iPad, iPod; eye pad, eye pads
iPad (IGH pad)
A hand-held device that will allow users to view movies, surf the internet and play high-definition games: "The iPad features include the ability to browse the web and to listen to music, with photo, calendar, and maps applications."
"The iPad will work with the iTunes store to let users discover and purchase music, movies and TV shows."
"Like the iPhone, the iPad has a virtual keyboard, is about half an inch thick (1.27 centimeters), weighs 1.5 pounds (.68 kilograms), has a 9.7-inch (24.64-centimeter) display, and offers internal storage option capacities of 16GB, 32GB or 64GB."
ipod (IGH pahd)
1. A portable music player developed by Apple Computer: "Although it is an Apple product, the iPod can be used with both Macs and PCs."
2. A combination portable digital media player and hard drive from Apple Computer: "An iPod has a reputation for being user-friendly because users can navigate with what Apple calls a touch wheel, which is a centrally-placed circular disk designed for one-hand operation."
"Popular iPod features include a calendar, address book, to-do list, alarm clock with sleep timer, games, and a text reader."
eye pad, eye pads (IGH pahd, IGH pahdz)
Sterile oval eye pads have soft, cotton fill and lint-free poly outer covering for patient comfort: "Some eye pads are pre-moistened with pure cucumber juice and other rejuvenating natural extracts including chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea."
"When a separate eye pad is applied to each eye, the eye pads will cool the eyes and reduce puffiness and dark circles."
 
iron, ironic
iron (IGH uhrn)
1. A metallic element (Fe) occurring in meteorites and igneous rock: "The explorers were looking for iron ore in order to create a new mining industry in the region."
2. Robust, healthy, strong: "His iron will was legendary among the tycoons of industry."
3. An instrument or tool used for removing the creases and wrinkles in cloth: "In pioneer homes, the iron for pressing clothing was heavy and difficult to use."
4. To remove wrinkles by pressing with a heated instrument: "Would you like me to iron your shirt?"
ironic (igh RAHN ik)
1. A difference or inconsistency between reality and expectations: "It is ironic that the shoes of the cobbler's children often had holes in them."
2. A mocking or oblique comment: "His ironic sense of humor often conveyed the truth about what he was thinking."
 
irrational, unreasonable (synonymous terms)
irrational (i RASH uh nuhl)
1. Incapable of logical thought, unthinking, unreasoning: "His father became more irrational as the fever got worse."
"Some politicians become irrational in the way they spend and waste money."
2. Affected by loss of usual or normal mental clarity; incoherent, as from a shock: "Both your fears and your behavior are irrational."
3. Unsound, illogical, unreasonable, not based on reality, nonsensical, foolish: "She tends to be more irrational every day in her demented condition."
unreasonable (un REE zuh nuh buhl)
1. Not governed by reason; a less than reasonable attitude; contrary to reason: "It's unreasonable for you to expect the weather to be so cool in the summer."
2. Exceeding reasonable limits; obstinate, headstrong, stubborn, inflexible, obdurate, prejudiced: "He's a spoiled, unreasonable person."
3. Excessive, too great, exorbitant, extravagant, immoderate, unjustifiable: "The company management considers the union's demands unreasonable."
It is not unreasonable to fear that his irrational anger could translate into aggression which could become unreasonably physical; however, it seemed that authorities had to use unreasonable force to control the person whose mental state could be described as increasingly irrational.
 
irrelevant, irreverent
irrelevant (i REL uh vuhnt)
Unrelated to, not applicable to the matter at hand; not pertinent; not relating to the point: "In an effort to sound important, the speaker included many irrelevant comments."
irreverent (i REV uhr uhnt)
Lacking in respect or seriousness; disrespectful; especially, to what is sacred: "His irreverent statements regarding religion and religious people was unacceptable and inexcusable."
"The way some people use God's name in their irreverent and vulgar statements indicates how impudent and inconsiderate some people are."
 
its, it's
its (ITS)
1. A possessive pronoun: "Every animal is proud of its young."
2. Used as a modifier before a noun: "The airline canceled its flight to New York."
"Like his, another possessive pronoun, its never takes an apostrophe."
it's (ITS)
A contraction of it is or it has: "It's [It has] been nice to meet you and it's [it is] good to know I'll see you again next month."
Since an i is missing, an apostrophe must be inserted to show the omission, but it is never used as a possessive.
Its is the possessive form of the pronoun it and is correctly written without an apostrophe.
This should not be confused with the contraction it's (for it is or it has), which should always be written with an apostrophe.