When you hear the word presumptive, you might automatically think it has something to do with being presumptuous. However, the two words have different meanings. Presumptuous describes someone who is excessively confident or bold, especially when they are not entitled to be. Presumptive refers to something that is based on assumption or conjecture. It often describes a […]

The adverbs purposefully and purposely have very similar meanings, but the difference is important. They are derived from the noun purpose meaning “the reason for, or goal of, an action”—so these words both describe acting with reasons and goals. Purposefully describes acting with a purpose, or like one has a purpose: Diplomats use language most purposefully; every word […]

Use many when describing count-nouns; use much when describing non-count nouns. Knowing the difference between a count-noun and a non-count noun (also called a mass noun) can be a little tricky . . . Basically, count-nouns describe things that are countable (can be counted), such as rocks, clouds, stars, cats, words, and people. And non-count nouns are not […]

Device is a noun and devise is a verb—both relate to the concept of invention. A device is a machine—something artificially created, with multiple parts, that does something. It can refer to many things, from smartphones to spaceships—though most often we use the word device for smaller things. Device can also be used to describe some abstract things that […]

To pet is a verb describing the way people touch animals that they like, or to create a peaceful feeling—petting is gentle stroking. Pet is the present tense form and petted is both the simple past and the past participle . . . at least, officially: I pet my dog every day. She petted her cat affectionately. […]