Some English words appear to be similar, but they have different meanings. Here are some of them:
Resurgence / recrudescence
‘Resurgence’ means ‘the reappearance and growth of something that was common in the past.’
There has been a resurgence of interest in religion over the past ten years.
‘Recrudescence’ means ‘reappearing and breaking out.’
The doctor was dismayed by the recrudescence of the wound which he thought had healed weeks ago.
Retribution / restitution
‘Retribution’ means ‘severe punishment for something very serious.’
Victims are demanding retribution for the terrorist attack.
‘Restitution’ is the act of giving back something that was lost or stolen to its owner, or of paying for damages.
The offender must make restitution for the hurt that he has caused.
Revenge / avenge
‘Revenge’ is something you do in order to punish someone who has harmed or offended you.
The woman wanted to revenge for the insult.
‘Avenge’ is to do something to hurt or punish someone because they have harmed or offended you.
Emma wanted to avenge her husband’s death.
Review / revue
‘Review’ is to examine, consider and judge a situation or process carefully in order to see if changes are necessary.
The government will review the situation to pay compensation to flood victims.
‘Revue’ is a show in a theatre that includes songs, dances and jokes about recent events.
Rigour / rigor
The rigours of something mean problems and difficulties of a situation, as in the stresses and rigours of modern life.
Rigor mortis is the condition in which someone’s body becomes stiff after they die.
Riposte / retort
A riposte is a quick, clever reply to something that someone has said, as in a witty riposte.
‘Retort’ means ‘to reply quickly in an angry or humorous way.’
“It’s all your fault!” she retorted.
Rock / stone
A rock is the hard substance that forms the main surface of the earth.
Most of the country is desert and bare rock.
Stone is a hard solid mineral substance.
He is putting up a stone wall.
Rouse / arouse
Both words mean ‘to awaken to stir out of inactivity, but ‘rouse’ tends to imply a physical response.’
The sergeant roused the men from their bunks.
‘Arouse’ suggests a more emotional reaction.
Her frequent disappearances began to arouse his suspicions.
Rout / route
‘Rout’ means ‘to defeat someone completely in a battle, competition or election.’
In the previous election the United National Party was routed by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.
‘Route’ is the way from one place to another.
What is the best route to Kandy?
Rustic / rusticate
‘Rustic’ means ‘simple, old-fashioned and not spoilt by modern developments, in a way that is typical of the countryside.’
The village had a certain rustic charm.
‘Rusticate’ means ‘to banish to the country.’ In the architectural sense it means ‘to carve or cast deeply textured designs in masonry.’
Saccharin / saccharine
‘Saccharin’ is the sugar substitute.
‘Saccharine’ means ‘excessively sweet.’
Sacred / sacrosanct
‘Sacred’ means dedicated to religious use.’
‘Sacrosanct’ is more intensive. It means ‘pure and incorruptible, incapable of being violated.’
Salary / wages
A salary is usually fixed as an annual rate and paid by the month or week. Wages are rates usually paid by the hour, day, or week.
Salon / saloon
A salon is a place where you can get your hair cut or have beauty treatments. A saloon was a public place where alcoholic drinks were sold in the western United States in the 19th century. It also means a comfortable room in a pub.
Same / similar
‘Same’ means ‘not different.’
Bob sits in the same chair every night.
‘Similar’ means ‘almost the same.’
We have similar tastes in music and literature.
Sanguine / sanguinary
‘Sanguine’ means ‘happy and hopeful about the future, as in a sanguine view.’
‘Sanguinary’ means ‘involving violence and killing.’