Mom and mum are both less formal words for “mother.” Mom is used more frequently by US English speakers, while mum is used by UK English speakers.
Mom and mum follow the same capitalization rules. They are capitalized when used in place of a name (e.g., “I love you, Mom/Mum”) and lowercase otherwise (e.g., “My mom/mum is great”).
With QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker, you can choose your variant of English so that you always use the correct vocabulary.
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Minimise and minimize are alternate spellings of the verb that means “make smaller” or “represent as less important” (e.g., “In our proposal, we aimed to minimize/minimise costs”).
In American English, minimize is always used. In British English, either minimize or minimise is acceptable, though Oxford style requires minimize.
A QuillBot grammar check can help you make sure you’re spelling words consistently throughout your documents.
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Saber and sabre are two spellings of the word that refers to a heavy sword with a curved blade or a weapon used in fencing (e.g., “Each soldier was issued a saber/sabre“). Saber is used in American English, and sabre is used in British English. They are pronounced the same way.
QuillBot’s Grammar Checker will help you ensure consistency in the variant of English you use.
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Meter and metre are two spellings of the word that refers to a unit of measurement or the rhythmic structure of a poem (e.g., “The high jumper set a record of 2.45 meters/metres“). Meter is used in American English, and metre is used in British English. They are pronounced the same way.
When referring to a measuring device (e.g., “water meter,” “barometer”), the spelling is meter in both the UK and US.
QuillBot’s Grammar Checker allows you to choose a dialect of English so you can make sure you’re using variants correctly.
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Connotative diction is the use of words in writing or speech that express emotions or ideas beyond their literal meaning. Writers choose these words for their associations and emotional resonance. For example, while “heart” denotes the vital organ that pumps blood, it connotes love, emotion, or courage. Connotative diction can influence how a text is perceived and interpreted by readers or listeners.
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Idioms and adages are fixed expressions that are commonly recognized and used within a language, however the two should not be confused.
An idiom is an established phrase with a meaning different from that of its individual words. For instance, “give it a shot” means to try rather than literally to shoot something, and “slipped my mind” means to forget. Idioms are a form of figurative language often used to add color to communication.
Adages, on the other hand, are well-known sayings that have been used for a long time. They typically offer practical advice about ways to behave and live. Although they are usually literal, adages can also be metaphorical with a meaning that is easy to understand. For example, the phrase “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” metaphorically advises against relying on a single plan or option.
In short, idioms are nonliteral expressions used in a variety of contexts, while adages are traditional sayings that convey practical wisdom.
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There are two syllables in adage. The first syllable sounds like “ad,” rhyming with “mad.”
The second syllable is pronounced like “ij,” similar to the “idge” in “fridge.”
So, it sounds like “ad-ij” with the emphasis on the first syllable.
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Antonyms for “antithesis” include words that suggest sameness, including “similarity,” “agreement,” and “congruity.” In the context of philosophy, an antonym might be “synthesis” which implies a blending of ideas rather than their contrast.
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Synonyms for “antithesis” include “contrast,” “opposite,” “contradiction,” and “antipode.” These terms all convey the idea of opposition or difference, though their usage may vary slightly depending on the context. For example, “contrast” emphasizes comparison, while “contradiction” suggests incompatibility between ideas.
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Writers use repetition to make their words more memorable and impactful. It helps them emphasize key ideas, create rhythm, and build emotional resonance. By repeating certain phrases or concepts, writers can simplify complex ideas, making them easier to understand and remember.
Additionally, repetition creates patterns that connect different parts of their work. Whether in speeches, poetry, or prose, repetition reinforces the message and ensures it sticks in the audience’s mind.
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