Subtle Distinctions

by | Jul 1, 2015 | The Write Partner July 2015 edition | 1 comment

http://writehouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Subtle-Distinctions-July-edition-e1435753341953.jpg/></p> <p>Lawyers should possess semantic exactitude—we should appreciate subtle distinctions between words or expressions that look, seem, or sound similar.</p> <p>In providing most of the following guidance, we have relied heavily on the <em>Concise Oxford English Dictionary</em> and <em>Garner’s Modern American Usage</em>.</p> <p><strong><em>aberrant</em> versus <em>abhorrent</em></strong></p> <p><em>Aberrant</em> is the adjective associated with the noun <em>aberration</em>. An <em>aberration</em> is an unwelcome deviation from what is normal. <em>Aberrant</em> means departing from an accepted standard or deviating from behavioral or social norms.</p> <p><em>Abhorrent</em> is the adjective associated with the verb <em>abhor</em>. To <em>abhor</em> is to detest, loathe, or seriously hate (something). <em>Abhorrent</em> means “inspiring disgust and loathing.”</p> <p><strong><em>abjection</em> versus <em>abjectness</em></strong></p> <p>Both nouns derive from the adjective <em>abject</em>. Although the <em>Concise Oxford English Dictionary</em> lists the first sense of <em>abject</em> as “(of something bad) experienced to the maximum degree: <em>living in abject poverty,</em>” the second sense (“completely without pride or dignity: <em>an abject apology</em>)” is perhaps more common in learned writing. </p> <p><em>Abjection</em> and <em>abjectness</em> both “refer to a state of being cast aside, abased, and humiliated. The subtle difference between the two is that <em>abjection</em> refers to the physical condition …. <em>Abjectness</em> refers to the state of mind ….”</p> <p><strong><em>abjure</em> versus <em>adjure</em></strong></p> <p>To <em>abjure</em> is to (formally or solemnly) renounce. A second meaning is “to avoid.”</p> <p>To <em>adjure</em> is to (formally or solemnly) urge someone to do something, to “charge or entreat solemnly; to urge earnestly.” </p> <p><strong><em>absorb</em> versus <em>adsorb</em></strong></p> <p>To <em>absorb</em> is to soak up (usually but not necessarily liquid); to take in information; to assimilate (a lesser entity) into a larger one. </p> <p><em>Adsorb</em> is a scientific term referring to “the collecting of condensed gas (or similar substance) on a surface.” To adsorb is (of a solid) to “hold (molecules of a gas, liquid, or solute) as a thin film on surfaces outside or within the material”.</p> <p><strong><em>adapt</em> versus <em>adopt</em></strong></p> <p>The verb <em>adapt</em> has 2 senses: 1. make suitable for a new use or purpose, to modify for one’s own purposes; and 2. become adjusted to new conditions.</p> <p>In the senses in which you might confuse it with <em>adapt</em>, <em>adopt</em> means to accept something wholesale and use it; “to choose to take up or follow (an option or course of action)”; or “to assume (an attitude or position).” </p> <p><strong><em>adduce, deduce,</em> and <em>educe</em></strong></p> <p>To <em>adduce</em> is to put forward (argument, evidence) for consideration, or to cite as evidence.</p> <p>To <em>deduce</em> is to infer, or to arrive at (a fact or a conclusion) by reasoning.</p> <p>To <em>educe</em> is to draw out, elicit, or evoke. </p> <p><strong><em>admission</em> versus <em>admittance</em></strong></p> <p>Use <em>admittance</em> in a strictly physical sense: No admittance into these premises after dark.</p> <p>Typically, use <em>admission</em> in nonphysical and figurative senses: <em>Her admission to the bar brought untold joy to her family.</em></p> <p>You can also use <em>admission</em> in a physical sense when rights or privileges attach to the physical entry: <em>The Interior Minister is responsible for the admission of foreigners into the country.</em></p> <p><strong><em>adverse</em> versus <em>averse</em></strong></p> <p><em>Adverse</em> means hostile, negative, or unpleasant; or unlikely to produce a good result: <em>adverse change, adverse circumstances, adverse (side) effects, adverse weather conditions.</em></p> <p><em>Averse</em> means opposed to.</p> </div> <div class=

1 Comment

  1. patrick agu esq
    patrick agu esq on July 3, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    you guys are doing a good job at the Write House

    Reply

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