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DELIQUESCE/ACQUIESCE

11/25/2025

DELIQUESCE/ACQUIESCE
(A proofreader's note regarding “deliquesce” and “acquiesce”)

By “deliquesce” and “acquiesce”
A suffix twixt is shared,
The e-s-c-e sameness there
To introduce what's aired.

This ending meaning “to become”
Doth paint ahead a goal;
In “deliquesce,” it's “liquid,” yes;
The other, “quiet” soul.

Thus “acquiesce,” quiescent-sort,
Of “quiet acceptance” tells,
A loath compliance without fuss
Oft featured in its spells.

“Become dissolved” to fluid state
Is “deliquesce” at heart;
To waste away or be destroyed;
To slowly fall apart.

“The contents of the saucer blest
Were left to deliquesce;
She felt she had to acquiesce
Despite the chance of mess.”

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PRACTICAL/PRACTICABLE

11/18/2025

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(A proofreader's note regarding “practical” and “practicable”)

Since “practical” and “practicable” are practically alike,
Partaking with “practice” an origin shared,
At core in their meanings are actions and deeds;
“Ability” therein they both have ensnared.

While “practical” will qualify with “actual” or “real,”
Contrasting “theoretical” as largely its deal,
It also has “able to be put into use”
As one of its meanings that others may steal.

The culprit in chief is our “practicable” word,
With “feasible” and “usable” to limit its sense.
As noun or to persons it never will serve,
Not being, like “practical,” surrounded by friends;

For “practical” yet may “exam” give a name
And signify “virtual” or “engaged with the act.”
Including these meanings and “practicable” too,
Makes “practical” broader—and safer, in fact.

“As legal professional of scholarly repute,
He cut out the word that his client found cute;
For 'practical,' yes, there were reasons to root;
The 'practicable' label, though, never would suit.”

“Advising his clients to 'practicable' eschew,
The legal environment requiring its due,
He steered them to 'practical,' pointed and true,
Avoiding the pitfalls that else would ensue.”

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CREDIBLE/CREDITABLE

11/11/2025

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(A proofreader's note regarding “credible” and “creditable”)

“Incredible” and “credible” do naturally relate
By virtue of the spellings and their parentage as well.
Approaching them in cousinship is “creditable” bland,
Pretending to be “credible” and hoping there to sell.

Aside from stricter meanings in the area of finance,
It's usually restricted to “praiseworthy” as its kind;
The rarer play of “creditable” as “worthy of belief”
Doth give it yet an image like to “credible” in mind.

This other sense of “creditable” is doubtable for some,
While “credible” a step beyond “believable” will go.
With “good enough for effectiveness” as possible intent,
There's also then “convincing” as a meaning it may show.

Let “creditable” represent "deserving true of praise"
Aside from when one's credit in a business sense is meant.
If “belief” is more the context, think of “credible” to start,
Avoiding the confusion that these words may tend to send.

“His prospects were precarious where he lay upon the ledge,
Matched only by the vista so incredible in view.
He risked his life for photos that might credible be judged
Though 'creditable' was the goal in every effort new.”

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MASSIF/MASSIVE

11/3/2025

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(A proofreader's note regarding “massif”and “massive”)

The “massive” we know from the English we speak
Reveres a precursor in massa for “mass.”
This Latin ancestor gave birth to “massif,”
Which led to our “massive” but no more, alas.

Restricted is “massive” to adjective roles,
With shades of “impressive” by size or by weight.
Its meanings as “large” beyond structure will go;
“Severe” and “extensive” may also relate.

“Massif” in full contrast is always a noun,
Although the French cousin descriptor may play:
A block of the crust of our planet the Earth
Or mountain mass major, whichever you say.

In our humble language, “massif” stands alone
Without roles dependent like “massive” at large.
Perhaps consolation then “mastiff” provides,
A giant called “gentle” when canines meet judge.

"The monstrously massive dog at the front gate
Did cause the sore hiker to wonder his fate;
Massif had been conquered, this memorable date,
But here was this mastiff to gloating deflate.”

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Amusing verses that shine a light on mostly medical and grammatical topics

DELIQUESCE/ACQUIESCE

PRACTICAL/PRACTICABLE

CREDIBLE/CREDITABLE

MASSIF/MASSIVE

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