PAIRS AND SNARES XXII

The words in each group can be easily confused. Can you give a simple definition of each one that shows the difference between them?

1. GOUGE

    GAUCHE

    GOUACHE

 

2. GRATIS

    GRATUITOUS

 

3. DECIMATE

    DESICCATE

 

4. DIASPORA

    DYSPHORIA

 

5. CORPORAL

    CORPOREAL

 

6. WETHER

    WEATHER

    WHETHER

 

Answers: 

 

1. GOUGE - Make a hole, groove in something

    GAUCHE - Lacking social grace, awkware

    GOUACHE - Opaque watercolor prepared with gum

 

2. GRATIS - Free

    GRATUITOUS - Uncalled for, not needed or justified - as swearing in movies

 

3. DECIMATE - Kill, destroy, or remove a large number or part of

    DESICCATE - Remove the moisture from something, completely dry out

 

4. DIASPORA - People who have spread or been dispersed form their homeland

    DYSPHORIA - Significant uneasiness/dissatisfaction - especially with one's gender

 

5. CORPORAL - A non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, ranking between private and sergeant/Also, relating to the physical body - found chiefly in the expression corporal punishment 

    CORPOREAL -  Relating to the physical body - bodily material - as distinct from the spiritual aspect of the body 

 

6. WETHER - A castrated ram (male sheep)

    WEATHER - The air condition outside

    WHETHER - "If or not" - as in expressing doubts or questions: I wasn't sure whether you'd like it. She asked me whether I was interested in working for her.