• Published on

    ADVERSE/AVERSE

    Picture

    (A proofreader's note regarding “adverse” and “averse”)

    “Adverse” and “averse,” although visually similar
    Apart from a “d” to divide,
    As adjectives serve that are strikingly different
    While sharing “against” as their guide.

    “Adverse” in its meanings of “acting against one,” 
    “Unfavorable,” “hostile,” and “bad,”
    Describes mostly things that are truly external,
    Not feelings internal we've had.

    In contrast, “averse” has a focus that's personal,
    Relating a state more than angst--
    “Disliking, “opposed,” and “unwilling,” “reluctant,”
    Descriptors of feeling against.

    “Averse” is distinguished as different in usage
     When “to” is seen tacked on as tail.
    A noun may precede it to herald its coming,
    As other words also unveil.

    When choosing between the two words of our study,
    “Aversion” may serve as a key:
    If thinking “averse” is then linked to “aversion,”
    Reminder of “feeling” comes free.

    “The hiker retreated, 'averse to' rock climbing,
    But claimed he was not 'risk averse.'
    'Averse' was his partner though hiding her feelings,
    Contending that naught was 'adverse.'”

    ​
  • Published on

    certainty/certitude

    Picture

    (A proofreader's note regarding “certainty” and “certitude”)

    Since “certainty” and “certitude” are centered on “certain,”
    Let's see what its meanings would find:
    “Dependable,” “settled,” “inevitable,” “fail-safe,”
    “Assured well in action or mind.”

    When “certainty” postures as “something that's certain,”
    These adjectives stand there on hand.
    Elsewhere as its role is “the state of being certain,”
    A part that's more mental and grand.

    This “absolute conviction” as meaning of “certainty”
    Arises for “certitude” as well,
    Synonymous with “certainty” across the full gamut
    Except as one's attitude might tell.

    For “certitude” is favored when point of view mental
    Relates to beliefs more than facts;
    This “freedom from doubting” is taken as valid
    Though some may consider it lax.

    “Emboldening his comment was constancy of friendship,
    A 'certainty' of numerous years.
    He said that her stance was of 'certitude' surely
    And saw that she still had no fears.”

    ​
  • Published on

    DISCOMFORT/DISCOMFIT

    Picture

    (A proofreader's note regarding “discomfort” and “discomfit”)

    “Discomfort,” “discomfit,” the words of our study,
    Though sharing their starting two-thirds,
    Have different origins and meanings distinctive,
    And one sense in common for nerds.

    “Discomfit” came first as a verb that was special;
    Misuse as “discomfort” was next.
    And given “unease” at the core of the latter,
    This sense of “discomfit” was blest.

    But rooted in meaning “undo and completely,”
    “Discomfit” is much more intense;
    To “thwart” or “frustrate” and “perplex” or “embarrass”--
    These verbs with “discomfit” are friends.

    And thus as a verb our “discomfit” will function
    In most of its cases and clues.
    Though subtly alluring the same-sounding noun,
    “Discomfiture” is favored in use.

    “Discomfort,” in contrast, as noun is most offered,
    The other form less often found;
    A “state of uneasiness, mental or physical,”
    Its meaning is simple and sound.

    “'Discomfit' the word was the teacher's new topic;
    Its focus more mental, her theme.
    The slides on the screen with a view to 'discomfit'
    Were planned to elicit a scream.”

    ​
  • Published on

    REGIMEN/REGIMENT

    Picture

    (A proofreader's note regarding “regimen” and “regiment”)

    Words “regimen” and “regiment” as nouns coexist,
    The “t” of the latter forever distinct.
    Their meanings are different, but “regiment” as verb
    May hint a sure closeness and show the nouns linked.

    For “regiment” in action a system will bring
    And “organize rigidly” with order as end;
    “Assigning to a regiment” or setting one up,
    “A military unit” it sometimes will lend.

    And thus we have “regiment,” a “military clutch,”
    And “regimen” proper, its soundalike near.
    Of “plan systematic” this “regimen” will tell,
    With meanings in governance and elsewhere less dear.

    “Regime” much more likely of “government” will speak,
    Of “government in power” or “period of rule.”
    Though many of its senses with “regimen” do match,
    The management areas get most of the fuel.

    “The concept of order in ‘regiment' the verb 
    Is echoed quite subtly in nouns like 'regime.'
    With ‘plan systematic' and 'government real,'
    There's order in 'regimen,' a thing we esteem.”

  • Published on

    PRECEDENTS/PRECEDENCE

    Picture

    PRECEDENTS/PRECEDENCE
    (A proofreader's note regarding “precedents” and “precedence”)

    The plural noun “precedents” comes from “precede”
    To “precedence” mimic though clearly distinct.
    While “presidents” and “presidency” nimbly abide,
    Our words of the day here are sometimes unlinked.

    For “precedents” are things that “preceded” in time;
    As “similar actions,” they “happened before”;
    Creating “examples,” progressing to “rules,”
    Becoming “the usual”—such ends, maybe more.

    But “earlier occurrence” is seen as apart,
    That quality selfsame deserving of name.
    To take up the mantle is “precedence” near,
    Not limited to time as the terms of its game.

    With “precedence,” often “priority” is theme
    In terms of arrangement, importance, or rank;
    It still honors time, a considerable thing,
    And caters to ceremony—all of that swank.

    “He cited six 'precedents' bolstering his case.”
    “To now break with 'precedent,' the voters would hate.”
    “Your safety takes 'precedence' as always on base.”
    “Her 'precedence' as Duchess was faultless to date.”

    ​