Commonly misused words
Quite often in English, words develop a different meaning through constant misuse. Here’s list of words that are frequently used in the wrong context; often in business letters and documents. Test your knowledge and make sure you are using them correctly. The correct meaning or meanings are in red.
Viable
profitable
practicable
economic
capable of maintaining life
able to compete
Discrete
sensible
diplomatic
separate in form or concept
sympathetic
abstract
Advise
offer counsel to
tell
warn
give official notification
publish
Verbal
by word of mouth - as in verbal agreement, verbal warning
by written word
concerned with words
spelt out
long and wordy
Inordinate
unconfirmed
excessive
along the same lines
irregular - as in not regulated
rare
Exacerbate
simplify
free from blame
stimulate
aggravate
blunt
Optimise
hope for the best
make as great as possible
make at the lowest cost
compromise
use in the best possible way
Prevaricate
postpone
deliberately evade or deceive
substitute
undermine
suggest
Transpire
occur
hope for
follow logically
come about accidentally
become known gradually
Feasible
practicable
practical
probable
plausible
possible