Some English words appear to be similar but they have different meanings. Here are some of them:
Mannequin / mannikin
A mannequin is a model of the human body used for showing clothes in shop windows.
Mannikin or manikin is a model of the human body used for teaching art or medicine. It also means a small man.
Mantel / mantle
A mantel is the shortened form of ‘mantelpiece.’ It is a wooden or stone shelf which is the top part of a frame surrounding a fireplace.
A mantle is a cover that is put over the flame of a gas or oil lamp to make it shine more brightly.
Marginal / minimal
A marginal change or difference is too small to be important.
There is a marginal increase in the unemployment figures.
‘Minimal’ means ‘very small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible.’
The storm has caused only minimal damage.
Masculine / mannish
‘Masculine’ means ‘having qualities considered to be typical of men or of what men do.’
Hunting is a typically masculine hobby.
A woman who is mannish looks or behaves like a man.
Janet has strong, almost mannish features.
Masterful / masterly
‘Masterful’ means ‘controlling people or situations in a skilful and confident way.
Bob handled the situation in a masterful way.
‘Masterly’ means ‘done or made very skilfully’
Fred gave a masterly display of his skills.
Maxim / axiom
A maxim is a concise saying expressing a recognised truth.
‘Pride goes before a fall’ is a well-known maxim.
An axiom is a generally accepted principle used as a basis for reasoning and argument.
The debating society decided to test the axiom that ‘Every law has a loophole,’
May be / maybe
‘May be’ indicates a possibility.
What you say may be correct.
‘Maybe’ expresses a slightly more uncertainty and hesitation than ‘may be’
Maybe the conclusions are correct.
Mean / mien
‘Mean’ means ‘to have or represent a particular meaning.’
The red light means ‘stop.’
‘Mien’ is a person’s typical expression or appearance.
Did you notice her sorrowful mien?
Meantime / meanwhile
‘Meantime’ means ‘in the period of time between now and a future event, or between two events in the past.
The doctor will arrive soon. In the meantime try to relax.
‘Meanwhile’ means ‘while something else is happening.’
The flight will be announced soon. Meanwhile please remain seated.
Mecca / mecca
Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Mohammed. Mecca (with lower case ‘m’) is used to describe a centre of aspiration or activity.
St Andrews is the mecca for all golfing addicts.
Media / medium
‘Media’ includes all the organizations such as television, radio and newspapers that provide news and information for the public.
The scandal was reported in the national media.
A medium is a way of communicating information and news to people such as newspapers, television or radio.
The Sunday Observer is a print medium.
The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation is a broadcast medium.
Note: ‘Media’ is increasingly used as a singular noun in modern English.
Meddlesome / mettlesome
A meddlesome person becomes involved in situations that do not concern them, in a way that annoys people.
Cynthia is a meddlesome old woman.
‘Mettlesome’ means ‘full of energy and determination.’
Melted / molten
If something solid melts or if heat melts it, it becomes liquid.
You can melt butter in a saucepan.
Molten metal or rock has been made into a liquid by being heated to a very high temperature.