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    certainty/certitude

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    (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.”

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    DISCOMFORT/DISCOMFIT

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    (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.”

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    REGIMEN/REGIMENT

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    (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.”

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    PRECEDENTS/PRECEDENCE

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    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.”

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    DELIQUESCE/ACQUIESCE

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    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

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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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