The words widow and widower are both used to describe a person who has remained unmarried after their spouse passes away. What do these two similar words mean, and why do we use two different words to mean almost the same thing? In this article, we will define widow and widower, explain where the word widower came from, and give a few alternatives that people …
The words cord and chord are pronounced exactly the same and only differ by a single letter. However, they have completely different meanings. In this article, we will break down the most common meanings of cord and chord, briefly explain how they have a shared history, provide a quick tip to remember the difference between them, and provide examples that show how we typically use …
You may have questions about why some people identify as gay, queer, both, or another specific way. For respectfulness and inclusivity, it’s important to understand the difference—and to remember that people’s use and feelings about the words vary widely. In this article, we will explain how the terms gay and queer are used differently in the context of sexuality and gender identity. What is the …
The words aid and aide are pronounced exactly the same and only have one letter difference between them. However, they are typically used to mean distinct things. In this article, we will help you out by breaking down the difference between aid and aide, explain how they are typically used, and provide examples that show how we commonly use them in sentences. The word aid …
If you are a chocolate lover, you likely know that chocolate is somehow related to cocoa powder and cacao seeds. But what do the words cacao and cocoa really mean? Are they used to talk about the same things, or are they used differently? In this article, we’ll define what the words cacao and cocoa mean, explain the history of these two related words, and …
Depending on where you live, you may see a word spelled as defense or defence. Which of these spellings is correct? Are they both right? In this article, we will explain why the same word can be spelled as either defense or defence, give examples of how we use this word in sentences, and provide examples of other words that follow a similar spelling pattern …
The difference between undergraduate and graduate is a difference of degrees (*throws graduation cap in the air to celebrate the pun*). The level of education that each word involves varies depending on how the word is being used, and there are situations in which both words can be used in the same situation. For example, you can become a graduate student after graduating with an …
The words wander and wonder look very similar, but they have very different meanings and uses. In this article, we will define wander and wonder, explain how we use them differently, and provide example sentences that show how we typically use them in sentences. The word wonder (pronounced [ wuhn-der ]) is used as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it typically means …
Ahoy, matey! Because they don’t want to walk the plank, sailors use the words port and starboard to make sure they know which direction the captain is talking about. However, it’s easy for landlubbers to get turned around by these words. In this article, we will define the words port and starboard as they are used in the context of nautical vessels and aircraft, explain …
In order to use the internet, you’ll typically need help from a modem and a router. These two boxes have similar jobs, so it can be easy to get them confused. In this article, we will give a simple explanation of what a modem and router are and how they are used to connect to the internet. router vs. modem In the simplest terms, a …
The words breath and breathe are only one letter apart and have very similar meanings, so it can be easy to get them confused. In this article, we will define the words breath and breathe, explain how they are used differently, identify some words with a similar pattern, and provide examples that show how we typically use breath and breathe in sentences. The word breath …
Mice and rats have a lot in common beyond their shared insistence on coming uninvited into our homes. However, there are some key differences that set these two animals apart from each other. In this article, we will explain the main differences between mice and rats and how they are related to similar animals. Mice and rats are both rodents, meaning they both belong to …