44 words that we use wrong

1. Autobiography

"Fill in the form and write his autobiography" - we often hear such phrases and do not think that there is an error from the category of "oil oil". Autobiography - a description of his life (autos - «itself», bios - «life» and grapho - «writing»). Write someone else's autobiography is not possible, so the use of the possessive pronoun in this case too.

2. ambitious

Think before you write the ambition in the column of the advantages in the summary. Ambitious and goal-oriented person - different concepts. Ambition - a heightened self-esteem, excessive self-esteem, as well as a variety of complaints and claims. Derived from the adjective of the word also has a negative emotional.

3. Appeal - to operate

These words are often confused. In fact, they are totally different. Appeal - then refer to someone or something for support, "appeal to authority". More narrowly interpreted the word in the practice of law: an appeal - complaint appeal - something to appeal. You can handle what some tools or data. "Expert statistics operates" means that he skillfully demonstrates her. If he calls a statistical study on the assistance already appeals to the statistics.

4. A priori

This adverb widely understood as something self-evident, requiring no proof. But in philosophy to think a priori - is to have a representation of something without checking it in practice (from the Latin a priori - «from the previous"). Antonym is a word "a posteriori" - judgment based on experience. So you can not a priori be sure of the meaning of words until you will glance in a dictionary.

5. To test - try

These words are often used as synonyms. To avoid such errors, remember: to test - then check and approve. As a rule, we are talking about some kind of official procedures, "Scientists have tested the new drug - it will soon go on sale." It is impossible to test porridge, unless, of course, this is not some kind of a major study, the results of which will be issued a written opinion.

6. Asexual

Sometimes mistakenly referred to as an unattractive appearance of the person. The term "asexuality" means a weak sexual instinct. Asexual people can be pretty darn nice, but indifferent to sex.

7. Authentic

Buzzword. Every now and then something gets authentic - cafes, performances and even people. But the word "authenticity" ≠ "identity". It means authenticity, matching the original. Authentic can be agreement or product, as well as works of art.

8. Hypothesis - the theory

Close, but not identical concepts. Hypothesis - is a scientific hypothesis put forward to justify any phenomenon and should be checked empirically. The theory (in one sense) - an opinion about anything whatsoever, worked out on the basis of observations. In other words, within the framework of a theory can be put forward the hypothesis that certain provisions prove this theory.

9. Dilemma - problem

Solve the dilemma and to cope with the problem - not the same thing. Dilemma - a difficult choice between two mutually exclusive options. To be or not to be? Third, as a rule, is not given. The problem - is, first of all, nasty situation with a lot of decisions or non-binding.

10. Agreement - a contract

Very similar concepts, but there are semantic and legal nuances. Agreement - an agreement of two or more persons. In civil law, it can be concluded either in writing or orally. The contract is always a written agreement. Moreover, under the current legislation of one of its sides, as a rule, the state acts.

11. Significant - significant

With these adjectives, too much confusion. Significant, i.e. having a weight or having a special meaning, may be, e.g., speech. Significant - is, first and foremost, a great size or strength; something that is of great importance. Therefore, the company's profit will always be significant.

12. For - so

These alliances are often used incorrectly, for they do not know their meaning. Look in the dictionary, so as not to make a mistake when connecting the subordinate clause. Union "for" of the Union "because" and "because" and "so" - Union "to".

13. Ideology - ideology

These concepts can not replace each other. Ideology - a belief system that forms the world. Previously, the world is clearly divided into supporters of a particular political-economic ideology. Ideology - is loyalty to any point of view, the idea.

14. quintessence

This word comes from the Latin quinta essentia - «fifth essence". In ancient and medieval philosophy called the quintessential essence, the basis of that whatsoever. Now this term for some reason used when combining different concepts, such as: "The author has noticed that his book - the quintessence of many genres, connecting many subjects." And this, of course, is not true.

15. Travelers - the traveler

"Places in the hotel only for business travelers" - many will pass by such a declaration, not suspecting a trick. But travel - it is something inanimate, referring to the trip. About the people so we can not say. The man who went somewhere to perform a service order, seconded: "For seconded staff, the company leased the hotel and pays them to travel."

16. comme il faut

Hearing the phrase "Call him, but then I somehow not comme il faut", we immediately realize that one person hesitates to dial another number. This word is often used to mean "comfortable / uncomfortable" or "comfortable / uncomfortable." Few people know that the dictionary meaning of the word "comme il faut" - a subtle, refined according to the rules of good taste. "In public, he kept comme il faut, and here at home ..."

17. Competence - Competence

Knowledge and experience in a particular field should not be confused with the ability to use them. For example, if the company has opened a vacancy lawyer, then take her only a man can with higher legal education (competence). But having a diploma does not guarantee the competence of candidates.

18. congeniality

Many are convinced that it is an excellent form of the adjective "brilliant". Like, congenial - it is brilliant, just better. But in fact, the word comes from the Latin con ( «together») and genialis ( «related to the genius"). The "genius" in Latin - is the spirit. Thus, congenial - it is close in spirit. Congenial person - someone who is similar in ways of thinking and values.

19. Credit - loan

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, you can (depending on the context). However, it is important to bear in mind the legal differences between these concepts. IN credit a bank or other lending institution issued the money, for which interest is calculated. The subject of the loan can be not only money, but also things, and, optionally, on a reimbursable basis.

20. Liberalism - libertarianism

Two ideological movements with similar names but different content. Liberalism brings together supporters of the parliamentary system, the broad political freedoms and entrepreneurship. Main feature of libertarianism - a ban on "violent assault". The proponents of this political trend believe that any manifestation of force or even the threat of its manifestation should be punished by law.

21. Loyal

Many people equate the word with condescension: "Prof caught loyal - automatically set." Let's look in the dictionary, "Loyal - keeping the loyalty of the existing state power, the existing order." Only in the second sense - a correct attitude toward someone or something - loyalty similar to the indulgence, but an equal sign between these concepts still can not deliver.

22. marginal

When the press does not want to hurt or homeless beggars, they "politely" called marginal. But in sociology the term is much broader. Marginal - is the one who appeared in the new situation and have not adapted to it. For example, the marginal position takes people just moved from the countryside to the city.

23. Misalliance - Union

Logically, if the "Alliance" - is the root, some believe that misalliance is some kind of union of persons or states. In fact misalliance - is nothing but as an unequal marriage (root - "misalliance"). The phrase "mesalliances Japan and Korea" may sound ambiguous, and sometimes insulting.

24. Misanthrope

Avoid people who are not committed to communication - this feature is not only a misanthrope, but introverts. Therefore, these terms are often confused and identified. But misanthrope (literally - misanthrope) not only reduces social contacts to a minimum - it enrage people. He does not believe in the whole sees only the bad and all in some way suspect. Misanthropy can be selective and only manifest itself in hatred to men or, alternatively, to women. introverts same for the most part of a complete darling.

25. Mental - thinkable

Feel the difference with examples: "Is it conceivable that matter - fail the session!" - shouted angry mother. "La-li-lai ..." - mentally humming daughter. Mental - is imagined living somewhere in your thoughts. A conceivable - that's what is difficult to imagine (but possible).

26. Impartial - bad

The first word is often used as a synonym for a second: "What a hard-hitting style!" But to say so wrong. In fact, a hard-hitting - impartiality, fairness, one who does not seek to please anyone. If someone called you impartial person, consider yourself a compliment.

27. Intolerable - intolerable

Similar in spelling but different in meaning words. Intolerant - I am the one who is deprived of tolerance, or that what can not be tolerated. For example, intolerant or intolerant misanthropist roughness. Intolerable - this is intolerable, acting so much that can not be tolerated. Is intolerable pain or wind.

28. nonsense

This word often gives an incorrect value: "The new iPhone - it's just nonsense!" We wanted to emphasize the incredible coolness and sensational gadget, and said it was nonsense and absurdity. After all, this is the meaning of the word "nonsense".

29. Odious

Wary if someone in your environment called odious person. Well, if people do not know that the offensive - is not extravagant and extraordinary, and unpleasantCausing a storm of negative emotions. Or maybe not?

30. Organic - Organic

Adjectives, which is easy to get confused, if not once and for all understand that organic - it is due to the very essence of someone or something (a synonym - a natural). And organic - it is related to the living organism. More narrowly - consisting of carbon. Example: "Monument to doctors struggling with organic brain lesions, fits well into the landscape of the city."

31. Pathos

This word is often understood affectedness. In fact, in translation from the Greek páthos means "passion". Paphos - this elation, enthusiasm. In literary works this term refers to the highest emotional point reached heroes and which found an echo in the hearts of readers.

32. Teacher - teacher

Between these words often equate, although these concepts are not identical. Teacher - a person who is engaged in teaching or educational activity (synonym - mentor). Teacher - a worker secondary or higher educational institution, teaching any subject (math teacher, teacher of literature). Thus, the teacher - this type of activity, profession and teacher - specialization.

33. Gift - souvenir

The use of these words as synonyms is not always appropriate. Souvenir - a commemorative item associated with a visit to any place. What we buy as a souvenir of a country, city or person. The phrase "souvenir" or "souvenir" have a semantic redundancy. If a present is not associated with the trip, it is better to write "gift".

34. Under the auspices of

According to Greek mythology, Aegis - a cloak of Zeus, which has magical properties. Be under the auspices of - it means to be under the protection of some powerful forces rely on the support of someone or something. To use this expression in the meaning of "under the pretext of" wrong. We can not say: "Under the auspices of the Consumer Rights Protection Rospotrebnadzor conducted a raid on the outlets of the city."

35. Change - change

Words that should not be confused in the written literary language. Swap - means to give and get your stead another, that is, to exchange something. Change - means to make otherwise. The expression "It completely changed my life," erroneously, as well as "She changed her maiden name to her husband's name."

36. Almost - almost

These adverbs are often confused. You can write "Almost everything remained as before" and "Almost everything remained as before", but the meaning is at the same time will be different. The adverb "substantially" may be replaced by "practice" or "in fact". Then our example will sound like this: "In practice, everything remained as before" or "In fact everything remained the same." In other words, things are there. The adverb "almost" means that something is lacking, it can be replaced by "almost". Offer "Nearly everything is still the same" has another shade of meaning: something is done, but only slightly.

37. Signature - the signature

Cognates, but they should not be identified. Signature - is the inscription under something (a + write). For example, write the name under the text of the treaty. Painting - a decorative painting on walls, ceilings or objects. From a literary point of view, please put in the act of painting is incorrect. Replace painted signature can only be speaking.

38. Today - current

"Today," that is related to the current day, not to be confused with the word "present." The latter concept is broader. It covers everything related to going year (month summer season).

39. Maxim

Under the maxims usually refers to some statements, the remarks or theses. But it is important to remember that, according to the dictionary, it should not be any statements and sayings moralizing character.

40. Sociopath - social phobia

The first suffers antisocial personality disorder, and therefore is not considered a public rules and regulations, wanted to spit on the morality and constantly throwing around a challenge. Second - this is a man who is afraid of the society. He may be afraid to talk to strangers on the street or be in a crowded place. Sociopathy - kind of mental disorder, social phobia - kind of phobia. Equate these concepts can not be.

41. Typical - typical

Conformable, but different in the sense of the word. Do not confuse: typical - embodies the characteristics of someone or something. Typical - this corresponding to some pattern.

42. Frustration - prostration

These concepts are often confused even the psychologists. Frustration - a feeling of anxiety that arises due to the inability to achieve the desired. In other words, dissatisfaction. Prostration - is oppressed, apathetic state, fatigue, when you do not want and can not do anything.

43. Functionality - functionality

Even in serious IT-publication may be an unfortunate mistake, calling functionality functionality and vice versa. It's not the same thing. Functionality - a set of options for the use or possible actions performed by some object: the functionality of a smartphone or a laptop. Functionality - is a numerical function defined on a vector space.

44. empathy

This psychological term sometimes mixed and identified with sympathy. Empathy - the ability to enter into the emotional state of another person, to feel his emotions. Not always we can take the place of another person, even if he gave us nice.