PAIRS AND SNARES XII

The words in each group below are commonly confused. Can you give a simple definition of each one that shows the difference between them? 

1. GAFF - GAFFE 

2. FLOUT - FLAUNT

3. WONTON - WANTON

4. APPRISE - APPRAISE

5. SYMPATHY - EMPATHY

6. ASSURE - ENSURE - INSURE

7. GARRULOUS - GREGARIOUS

8. ASCEND - ASCENT - ASSENT - ACCENT

 

Answers:

 

1. GAFF -  A metal hook, as used in fishing

    GAFFE - A social blunder

 

2. FLOUT - Ignore the rules

    FLAUNT - Show off

 

3. WONTON - A noodle-dough  dumpling 

    WANTON - Immoral,  merciless

4. APPRISE - Inform, bring up to date

    APPRAISE  - Determine the value 

5. SYMPATHY  - Feeling that you care and are sorry

    EMPATHY - A more personal form of sympathy in which you show that you understand       and share another person's feelings

6. ASSURE - Remove doubt

    ENSURE - Make sure something happens - guarantee it

    INSURE - Cover with an insurance policy

7. GARRULOUS - Talking too much, especially small talk

    GREGARIOUS - Outgoing and enjoying the company of others

 8. ASCEND - Climb (verb)

    ASCENT - Climb (noun)

    ASSENT - Approval, agreement

    ACCENT - Stress on a syllable, Distinct pronunciation peculiar to a country, area, or group of people