What a Travesty! Commonly Misused Words

Languages are constantly evolving and are fascinating to linguists such as professional translators thanks to their mixture of commonly used words and those rarer gems that only make it into sentences from time to time.

Many of these lesser-used words are unfamiliar to a large part of the population and thus their meaning, when they are used, is often misunderstood due to the need to infer it from context.

However, there is a smaller sub-group of words that are also misunderstood but are actually quite commonly used. In that vein, here we take a look at 17of the most frequently misused English words. 

Travesty

A ‘travesty’ is a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something. It means a grossly inferior imitation or a distorted representation, often conveying a sense of mockery or absurdity compared to the original. Yet in everyday English, the word is often used interchangeably with ‘tragedy,’ which refers to an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe.

he misuse of the word is so widespread that it is even periodically included incorrectly in national newspaper reports and by leading global figures, such as Hillary Clinton. 

Your and you’re

Though the two sound almost identical, there is a clear difference in the meanings of ‘your’ and ‘you’re.’ Sadly, it is a distinction lost on a large part of the English population when it comes to the written language. ‘Your’ means that something belongs to someone, while ‘you’re’ is the abbreviated form of ‘you are.’ Both words are frequently misused by those writing them. 

Their, there and they’re

As with your and you’re, these three similar-sounding words confuse many people when it comes to their written form. ‘Their’ means belonging to or associated with the people or things previously mentioned or easily identified, while ‘they’re’ is the abbreviation form of ‘they are.’ To further add to the confusion, ‘there’ means in, at, or to that place or position. The difference in meaning is clear when each is spoken, hence many people become confused when required to write one of them. 

Supposably 

Another commonly misused word, in both written and spoken English, is ‘supposably.’ Not even an actual word, ‘supposably’ is used by many individuals when they mean ‘supposedly,’ to imply that something is real or true without supporting evidence. 

Enormity

‘Enormity’ is very often used to mean ‘largeness’ or ‘hugeness,’ but the word actually means a grave crime or sin or the great or extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong. Again, this is so commonly misused in English that it frequently appears incorrectly in printed publications whose writers ought to know better!

Read more: English words that can't be translated

Affect vs. Effect

Affect (verb) means to influence something. For example, "The weather can affect your mood." Effect (noun) is the result of a change. For example, "The effect of the new law was immediate."

Compliment vs. Complement

A compliment (noun) is a polite expression of praise or admiration. For example, "She received a compliment on her dress." A complement (noun) is something that completes or goes well with something. For example, "The red wine complements the steak."

Farther vs. Further

Farther (adjective/adverb) refers to physical distance. For example, "He ran farther than I did." Further (adjective/adverb) refers to metaphorical or figurative distance. For example, "We need to discuss this further."

Fewer vs. Less

Fewer (adjective) is used for countable objects. For example, "Fewer people attended the meeting this year." Less (adjective) is used for uncountable quantities. For example, "There is less water in the lake."

Insure vs. Ensure

Insure (verb) means to provide insurance. For example, "You should insure your car against theft." Ensure (verb) means to make certain. For example, "Please ensure that the door is locked."

Lie vs. Lay

Lie (verb) means to recline. For example, "I need to lie down." Lay (verb) means to place something down. For example, "Lay the book on the table."

Literally

Literally (adverb) means in a literal sense, exactly. Often misused for emphasis. For example, "He literally ran 10 miles" (correct usage).

Read more: 20 Overused Words in English Translations

Irony

Irony (noun) involves a contrast between expectation and reality. Often misused to mean coincidence. For example, "It’s ironic that the fire station burned down."

Principal vs. Principle

Principal (noun) means the head of a school or organization. For example, "The principal gave a speech." Principle (noun) means a fundamental truth or law. For example, "She follows her principles."

Stationary vs. Stationery

Stationary (adjective) means not moving. For example, "The car remained stationary." Stationery (noun) means writing materials. For example, "I bought new stationery for school."

Conclusion

Understanding and correcting commonly misused words can significantly improve communication clarity and professionalism. Whether you are a writer, a student, or a professional, being aware of these common pitfalls is essential. By mastering the correct usage of these words, you can enhance your writing and avoid common errors that detract from your message.

Which other words are commonly misused in English or in your native language? Use the comments box to let us know.