Reading can offer a wondrous escape – taking us to faraway places with tales of space pirates, heroic knights and cunning wizards. However, literature is not always exciting and fantastical. When we are forced to read less interesting material against our will (like Shakespeare’s classics, random bits of poetry and whatever else makes it onto the school reading list), the excitement quickly fades.

While poring over Shakespeare for hours on end hardly sounds fun at all, expanding our reading list does bring us into contact with plenty of new vocabulary. While some words may be too archaic for modern use, many lesser-used words can add flair to our writing. However, English is a tricky language with many near-identical word pairings that can trip up even clever wordsmiths. Continuing our series (click here for part 1, part 2 and part 3), here are 10 more words and phrases to watch out for!

Adverse vs averse
To prevent further escalation of the coronavirus, the government has instated numerous social distancing policies to keep people at home. Would you say that the government’s policies are adverse or aversive towards the spread of the epidemic?

· Adverse [adjective 1] acting against or in a contrary direction; hostile

[adjective 2] opposed to one’s interests (especially an unfavourable kind)

[adjective 3] something that causes harm

· Averse [adjective 1] having an active feeling of repugnance, dislike or distaste

Both words have similar pronunciations and meanings, but their usage depends on the context. Averse is rarely used on its own and is often paired with another word (ie. risk-averse) to indicate something that is disagreeable – whereas when something is adverse, it describes something negative that could inflict damage upon a person or group. In this case, we could say the government’s banning of social gatherings is an aversive measure designed to prevent the spread of infection, which is having adverse effects on the entertainment and dining industries.

Amuse vs bemuse
Talking with young children is like going through a box Harry Potter’s Bertie Botts Every Flavour Jelly Beans – sometimes pleasant, sometimes the opposite. If a young nephew or niece asks where babies come from, would you find that conversation amusing or bemusing?

· Amuse [verb 1] cause (someone) to find something funny
[verb 2] to entertain (someone)

· Bemuse [verb 1] to puzzle, confuse or bewilder (someone)

Having the dreaded baby talk out of the blue (especially with someone else’s child) can be stressful – making it bemusing because you weren’t prepared for it. However, if you enjoy opportunities to mess with other people’s offspring, you might find the circumstances rather amusing as well (ie. telling tall tales about storks that deliver babies to expecting households).

Flaunt vs flout
We all have that one friend who enjoys bragging about their latest adventure to an exotic country or their membership to an exclusive club. Is this friend flaunting or flouting their good fortune?

· Flaunt [verb 1] to display (something) pretentiously – especially to provoke envy, admiration or defiance
[verb 2] to dress or behave in a sexually provocative way

· Flout [verb 1] to openly disregard a rule, law or convention
[verb 2] to mock; scoff

When our friend brags, they are flaunting their good fortune to attract envy or admiration – which isn’t a very nice thing to do. If we tired of such behaviours, we could point out that braggadocio runs against the conventions of social etiquette. If our friend continued to ignore our objections, he/she would also be guilty of flouting social and conversational manners.

Simple vs simplistic
Imagine that while looking for a new chair at a furniture store, you are greeted by a salesman who promotes his newest collection of minimalist products. As an advocate for simple and effective design, you agree that the designs are “simplistic”. Much to your confusion, he huffs and takes you to an aisle of fancy chairs instead. Did the salesman mistake what you said?

· Simple [adjective 1] easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty
[adjective 2] plain, basic or uncomplicated in form, nature or design

· Simplistic [adjective 1] oversimplifying by ignoring important factors

Referring to something as simplistic is criticism or an insult for being overly simple – i.e. the president’s insistence on viewing every issue as black or white, right or wrong, could be seen as lacking in nuance, or simplistic. Because you liked the minimalist chairs for their sleek and efficient designs, you liked them because they were simple.

Peace of mind vs piece of mind
Let’s say you went to a restaurant and had to wait half an hour for dessert – and after the long wait you were served something extremely disappointing. Furious, you decide to speak to the manager to complain. Are you giving the restaurant a peace of mind or a piece of your mind?

· Peace of mind [noun phrase] a feeling of being safe or protected

· Piece of (someone’s) mind [noun phrase] frank and severe criticism

When we use the expression peace of mind, we use it to refer to an action or news that calms our thoughts – ie. double checking whether our doors and windows are locked before going on a trip or getting a clean bill of health from the doctor at our latest check-up. Giving a piece of one’s mind, on the other hand, means to convey your displeasure with something.

Since we are unhappy about the long wait and low-quality food, we want to give a piece of our mind to the restaurant staff (this may also bring peace of mind, lest we regret not saying something about it later on!).

There are many words out there that sound very alike – yet have very different meanings. Misusing them can create adverse situations, so it’s best to be aversive about improper word usage. When you come across simpletons who can’t discern between simple and simplistic, you can amuse yourself with their bemusing conversations as they flout proper English and flaunt their incorrect usage. Knowing which words to use grants you peace of mind, because you’ll always be able to give a piece of your mind effectively.

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