PAIRS AND SNARES XXIII
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. ABSCISSA
MANTISSA
MANTILLA
2. CENSER
CENSOR
CENSUS
CENSURE
3. CAGER
CADGER
CODGER
4. CRUISE
CREWS
CRUSE
CRUET
5. SINECURE
CYNOSURE
SINE QUA NON
6. PIQUE
PIQUANT
PICARESQUE
PICTURESQUE
Answers:
1. ABSCISSA - The X-axis on a two-dimensional graph
MANTISSA - The part of a logarithm that follows the decimal point
MANTILLA - A lace or scarf worn over the head and shoulders by women
2. CENSER - A container for burning incense
CENSOR - (noun or verb) To examine and remove material considered "unacceptable" in a book or other document
CENSUS - A count or survey of people - especially the official U.S. census held every ten years - typically also recording information such as ages, occupations, and incomes
CENSURE - A formal statement of disapproval of someone or something
3. CAGER - Slang for a basketball player
CADGER - A moocher, one who tries to get things for free, schnorrer, beggar
CODGER - An elderly man, often old-fahioned or eccentric, often used affectionately
4. CRUISE - A pleasure voyage on a ship, to sail or drive smoothly at a moderate speed
CREWS - Plural of crew - the official workers on a ship, plane, etc.
CRUSE and CRUET - Both mean a small bottle or container for oil, vinegar, etc.
5. SINECURE - A job with little or no work, but giving the holder prestige and financial benefit
CYNOSURE - The center of attention or admiration
SINE QUA NON - "Without which nothing" - The essential element or condition that is absolutely necessary
6. PIQUE - (noun or verb) - A feeling of resentment or irritation / To stimulate interest or curiosity
PIQUANT - Tangy, having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor*
PICARESQUE - A genre of writing involving a rough, roguish, but appealing hero
PICTURESQUE - Pretty, attractive - usually in a quaint [old-fashioned] style
* as a sauce, also spelled PIQUANTE
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