(A proofreader's note regarding “words that transform”)

Transforming words that split in two

Change form and meaning both;

For “anytime,” like “anyway,”

Divorce doth break an oath.

Though “anytime” “whenever” means,

Its parts may speak amount,

And “anyway” (“in any case”)

To “any means” can bound.

And “anymore” may stretch apart,

Not “any longer” claim,

Since “any more” relates to plus,

Which cannot be the same.

Though “maybe” into “may be” shifts,

Some pairs are always one;

“Whereas,” “wherever,” and “someday”

Have parts that never run.

But “every time” no knot will tie,

While “everyday” may stray

To join the group of “everything,”

In larger games to play.

(A proofreader's note regarding “affect” and “effect”)

“Affect,” “effect,” both words of change,

Confuse in use though set with clues;

There's “a” for “action," “e” for “end";

They clear the views, not just amuse.

“Affect” will serve most oft as verb,

The part of speech with “actions” linked.

“To influence/cause effect upon”

Is meaning main that's heard and inked.

“Effect” would rather be a noun;

It rarely functions as a verb.

“Effect,” the noun, says “outcome caused,”

Though other meanings may usurp.

“Affect” begins, “effect” it brings,

With “a” for “action,” “e” for “end,”

Reminding what as verb comes first,

The alphabet being faithful friend.

And when as verb “effect” would act,

Its focus helps to set apart.

It emphasizes what is caused,

While with “affect,” we get the start.

“Affect” as noun is seldom found

Yet known in special fields of study—

One's underlying emotional state,

Out-picturing also there already.

“'It will affect the daily take,'

Was her retort to great effect;

Affected by her strong response,

The others voted to reject.”

“Then after change effects a change,

Effective change has had effect.

Affected by effective change,

One's affect changes to reflect.”

(A proofreader's note regarding “derisive” and “derisory”)

“Derisory” was first of the infants in nursery;

“Derisive” arrived in due course;

Since standing nearby was “derision” as parent,

Some differences puzzled their nurse.

“Derisive” would speak of “conveying or causing

Contemptuous ridicule/scorn.”

“Derisory,” the elder, surprisingly mellow,

Went further afield to adorn.

Instead of describing the thing that was mocking,

“Derisory” put focus elsewhere;

The object of mockery itself was the target,

“Inviting derision” to wear.

A clue to this difference in meanings as stated

Is found in the suffixes carried.

The “ory” of one hints a less direct function

In adjectives busy and harried.

Most “ive”-bearing adjectives act as descriptors 

Of traits found inherent in nouns.

With “ory,” more likely, a function or purpose

Is what it describes on its rounds.

In commonplace meaning, “derisory” stresses

“Inadequate/piffling in nature,”

Which then is inviting of scorn or of mockery,

Delivered by nouns with that feature.

Quite sadly, however, “derisory” sometimes

Is taken as saying “derisive.”

We know that these words although sharing a cradle

Are different in ways most decisive.

“Though stolidly entered, the sum was derisory,

And comments derisive ensued.

The manager frowned, and derisive guffawing

Was nipped in the bud as too rude.”

(A proofreader's note regarding “extant” and “extinct”)

First “extant” from “standing out,”

Adjective only in its stance;

“Still existing,” “not destroyed,”

Meanings fair with half a chance.

Then “extent” might lesser be,

With its “e” instead of “a”;

But “extend” in family tree

Gives this noun a greater say.

Next “extinct” the adjective

Waves its wand—a curse to cast;

From “extinguish,” none should live,

Left to molder in the past.

“Once extinguished, then extinct,

Yet a flame may live again.

Once distinguished, then distinct,

Yet such fame may need refrain.

“Once extinct, no chance extant,

Not there standing evermore.

This 'extinct,' no small extent;

Full its measure, ever sure.

“If extant, beware extent

And of life rejoicing be.

Coming end may some resent

If, indeed, that's all they see.”

(A proofreader's note regarding “insidious” and “invidious”)

“Insidious,” “invidious”—the words of our study—

Are actors infrequent today.

There nevertheless are some roles that do favor

The talents they bring into play.

Though wearing their costumes with only slight difference,

They claim to tell stories distinct.

It’s quickly confirmed by a look at their origins—

A hint that the two are not linked.

“Insidious” in meaning when traced back in Latin

Is “ambush-like,” clearly and true.

“Invidious,” instead, springs from “ill will” and “envy,”

With “invi” from “envy” as clue.

“Insidious” has friends in “deceptive” and “subtle,”

And speaks of a gradual amassing

Of harmful or adverse effects that are hidden,

Revealed in their final undressing.

Another sense given is “harmful but tempting,”

“Seductive” then granted as well.

“Awaiting a chance to ensnare” (as in ambush)

Comes next as the last sense to gel.

“Invidious” expresses no sense of a “hiding,”

Regardless of usage as “envious”;

“Unpleasant by nature” and  “apt to cause ill will”

Do, likewise, say “harmful not devious.”

“They only suspected insidious insiders 

When statements invidious were sent.

Their source was well hidden, for none of the members

Admitted invidious intent.”