These two adjectives have very similar meanings and are often confused by native speakers. The difference between them is subtle but important.  Amoral means “without morals.” Immoral means “morally bad.”  Just so we know what we’re talking about . . . a moral is a belief that a certain kind of behavior is right or wrong. On […]

You needn’t hurt your head trying to choose between the prepositions among and amongst; you can use them both in all of the same places. But there is a difference in style, between the US and the UK. The best advice, if you’re not sure, is to use among.  Amongst has an older, more high-class, and therefore […]

These two adjectives are almost the same in meaning but are used a little differently; both words can be translated as “friendly” but, while amiable usually describes a person’s personality, amicable usually does not: Visitors say people in New Orleans are especially amiable and easy to make friends with.We made an amicable agreement to take […]

These two words have nothing in common.  Berth is usually a noun— referring to any of several different kinds of place, or space. Usage 1. a space where a boat stays, when it is docked—or a space reserved for large trucks or other vehicles to park:The truck had a berth inside the warehouse for loading and […]

Despite their similar appearances, these words are totally unrelated.Altar is a noun, referring to the table-like piece of furniture at the front of most churches or temples, where one might place the holy books, sacraments, or other holy objects used in a religious service: Before beginning the ritual, the priest said blessings over all of […]