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    CALLOUS/CALLUS

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    ​(A proofreader's note regarding “callous” and “callus”)

    A calling in common have “callus” and “callous,”
    “Hard skin” in the Latin as root,
    But origins closer have rendered a contrast
    Through function-words acting to suit.

    For “callus” derives from “a skin that is thickened”
    And “callous” from “thick-skinned/hard.”
    So “callus” as noun in most cases will function;
    The other is adjective at heart.

    Thus “callus” is meant as “a hard thickened area
    Of skin or plant tissue or bone
    That forms after injury or pressure or friction”--
    A natural response that is known.

    With “callous,” instead, we have most a descriptor
    That “hardened and thickened” will say;
    “Insensitive,” also, and “lacking true feeling”
    And “having a callus” its way.

    Yet both of these words may be verbs in their usage,
    Less commonly, though, it appears:
    “To bring about calluses—forming them onto,”
    “To make a thing callous” with tears.

    Since “having a callus” from “callous” arises,
    The verbs will of overlap tell.
    So “callused” and “calloused” contend to be used
    Interchangeably well where they mell.

    “By offering a hand that was callous and dirty,
    He meant to show callous consent.
    His palm with its confluence of calluses countless
    Was spurned by both lady and gent.”

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    EXPLICIT/IMPLICIT

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    (A proofreader's note regarding “explicit” and “implicit”)

    The “ex” of “explicit,” the “im” of “implicit”
    Do signal a difference most clear
    These adjectives have in the meanings they’re given,
    Though same in the suffix they share.

    Their Latin ancestors have contrary actions;
    To “fold” as a verb they relate.
    “Explicit” derives from “unfold” (think “unravel”),
    So “fully revealed” is its state,

    Like “clearly expressed” and “fully developed”
    And “open in sexual themes”
    (With rational link to exposed as a concept);
    “Unambiguous,” too, which redeems.

    “Implicit,” instead, from “to fold on itself,” has
    “Not stated/revealed” as inherent;
    “Discernible/understood sans an unfolding,”
    “Involved in its nature apparent,”

    “Not lessened by doubt,” and “implied, not unraveled”--
    These meanings all harbor a clue:
    “Implicit” elicits “implied” and “embedded”;
    “Explicit”—“explained” as its due.
      
    “The rules of the project were brief but explicit,
    Though one was implicit, it seemed:
    Implied was the need for correctness of spelling,
    Implicit since words would be gleaned.”

    ​
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    LUXURIOUS/LUXURIANT

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    (A proofreader's note regarding “luxurious” and “luxuriant”)

    “Luxurious,” “luxuriant” share ancestry in “luxus,”
    Thus “luxury,” extravagant “excess.”
    Dissimilar they are in that latter word listed, 
    With differences there to address.

    Abundance in excess beyond expectations,
    Or needs that are normally had,
    Were painted out first in the former descriptor;
    “Luxuriant” came later—a tad.

    “Luxurious” by meaning “related to luxury”
    Depicts also “comfort and ease”;
    And “showing a love of such pleasures of luxury”
    Is likewise a sense, if you please.

    “Of finest and richest kind,” also another,
    Bestows more of breadth to its brush.
    The area of focus is opulence mainly,
    With excess there favored as plush.

    “Luxuriant,” in contrast, on “growth” has its focus,
    Much less on the trappings of wealth;
    Abundance of things in their flourishing nature,
    Displaying an excess of health.

    “His hair was described as luxuriant and glossy--
    Abundantly growing, such flair.
    Luxurious the living he quickly envisioned;
    A pity the hair was from mare.”
    ​
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    INOCULATE/INCULCATE

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    ​(A proofreader's note regarding “inoculate” and “inculcate”)

    “Inoculate” and “inculcate” are tantalizing lookers,
    Displaying most letters as shared.
    As actors apparent, their meanings will differ,
    With only one likeness there dared.

    Both verbs in their actions portray an “implanting”;
    A likeness would then not surprise.
    For “inculcate” skillful, the mind is the target,
    Which limits the way it applies.

    At first, “to inoculate” meant grafting in planting,
    A bud (or “eye”--oculus) moved;
    “To introduce an item right into another”;
    This meaning at core was thus grooved.

    When items delivered were immunologically active,
    The sense of “protecting” arose;
    To foster resistance by sending foes weakened,
    Or strengthen a metal by dose.

    Thus several the targets “inoculate” delights in; 
    Another one clearly the mind.
    Since “inculcate” teaches with mental impressions,
    “Inoculate” is like it by kind.

    “‘A teacher must inculcate, repeating instructions,’
    The leader was heard to proclaim.
    He wished with his words to inoculate even
    The ones who avoided his fame.”