These two nouns are rarely used outside of educated discussions about literature and drama. However, pathos is commonly understood, whereas bathos is talked about less often. Let’s start with bathos. Bathos, which means “depth” in Greek, sort-of means the opposite in English today. Originally, it meant the technique, or mistake, in literature, when a lofty atmosphere or topic, such as in The Bible, […]

Both of these nouns refer to people, as indicated by -yst and -ist , usually, professionals. An analyst is someone who analyzes things, such as a political analyst, or a systems analyst: I always thought I should be an analyst because I love taking things apart.An annalist, in contrast, is someone who records events, in chronological […]

Both of these words can be used as a noun and a verb. Though their meanings are different, both refer to giving someone something because of something they have done.Award is always positive, as one could guess from it’s a- prefix. You can award someone, award something to someone, or give an award to someone, […]

The first two of these three nouns, avocation and vocation have related meanings.  Avocation means “hobby” and vocation means “profession”: My professor’s avocation is playing in a jazz band.But his vocation is research scientist. Also note the English term vocational school—which is a college where people learn only job skills (no philosophy classes!) in order to […]

These two words are extremely close in meaning, and very common, as you may know. Both words mean “(to take) an action to punish someone in return for something bad they have done.”  Avenge is a verb, while revenge is a noun, and one “takes revenge against someone”: Who will avenge the crimes of our own […]