Some English words appear to be similar but they have different meanings.
Here are some of them:
Syndrome / symbiosis
A syndrome is a set of qualities, events or types of behaviour that is typical of a particular kind of problem.
The underdog syndrome is a belief that things are beyond your control.
A symbiosis is a relationship between people or organizations that depends on each other equally.
Tantalise / tease
‘Tantalise’ means ‘to show or promise something that someone really wants, but then not allow them to have it.’
To tease means to light heartedly annoy someone.
Tasteful / tasty
‘Tasteful’ means ‘made, decorated or chosen with good taste,’ as in tasteful furnishings.
Food that is tasty has a good taste, but is not sweet, as in a tasty meal.
Temporal / temporary
‘Temporal’ means ‘related to or limited by time’ as in the temporal character of human existence.
‘Temporary’ means ‘continuing for a limited period of time,’ as in temporary pain relief.
Tendency / trend
A tendency is an inclination, a leaning, a disposition towards something.
Norma had a tendency to fall asleep at board meetings.
A trend is a general movement.
The current trend is for people to book their holidays early.
Testament / testimony
A testament is a will by which a person disposes his estate after death.
A testimonial is a personal endorsement of a person’s character, ability and experience.
Thrilled / enthralled
‘Thrilled’ means ‘very excited or happy.’
Malkanthi was thrilled to hear about her promotion.
‘Enthral’ means ‘to make someone very interested and excited, so that they listen or watch something very carefully.’
The children were enthralled by the story Padma was narrating.
Tight / tightly
‘Tight’ suggests a condition.
The cork was jammed tight.
‘Tightly’ implies action.
Ben held her tightly around the neck.
Till / until
Both words are interchangeable, but ‘until’ is preferred especially at the beginning of a sentence.
Until he arrives I will have to wait.
“I love you till the end of time,” he told her.
Timidity / temerity
‘Timidity’ is the tendency to be easily frightened, shy or fearful.
‘Temerity’ means ‘foolish or reckless boldness.’
Tim had the temerity to tell her to lose weight.
Token / nominal
A token is something that represents a feeling, fact or event, as in a token of gratitude.
‘Nominal’ means ‘very small amount of money, especially when compared with what something would usually cost or what it is worth.’
A nominal charge is made for use of the tennis court.
Ton / tonne
A British ton is 2,240 lbs; an American ton is 2,000 lbs; a metric tonne is 1,000 kilograms or about 2,200 lbs.
Tortuous / torturous
A tortuous path, stream, or road has a lot of bends in it and is therefore difficult to travel along.
There is a tortuous path over the mountains.
‘Torturous’ means ‘very painful or unpleasant to experience,’ as in torturous days of fitness testing
Toward / towards
Both words are used to say that someone or something moves, looks, or faces in the direction of someone or something.
I saw two policemen coming towards me.
‘Toward’ is usually used in American English.
Toxin / tocsin
‘Toxin’ is a poisonous substance, especially one that is produced by bacteria and causes a particular disease.
‘Tocsin’ is a loud warning bell.
Trait / character
‘Trait’ is a particular quality in someone’s character, as in personality traits.
‘Character’ is the particular combination of qualities that makes someone a particular type of person.
Bob has a cheerful character.
Transpire / happen
If it transpires that something is true, you discover that it is true.
It now transpires that he kept all the money for himself.
When something happens, there is an event, especially one that is not planned.
It is impossible to predict what will happen next.