Adjectives

“Eminent” vs. “Imminent”

Adjectives, Common English Blunders, Versus

These two words are occasionally misused, so they’re worth a second look.

Problem:
The words “eminent” and “imminent” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The primary definition of the adjective “eminent” is prominent or distinguished. For example, an eminent professor would be an appropriate use of the adjective. The primary definition of the adjective “imminent” is likely to occur at any moment. For example, the imminent landfall of the hurricane would be an appropriate use of the adjective.

The challenge with these two words is that they sound fairly alike, especially when speakers are careless with pronunciation. Careless pronunciation by speakers seems to lead to misuse by those listeners who are ignorant that these are two distinct words.

Solution:
Use “eminent” when you want to refer to someone who is distinguished, prominent, or high in repute; use “imminent” when you want to label something as likely to happen at any moment.

“Elicit” vs. “Illicit”

Adjectives, Common English Blunders, Verbs, Versus

Misuse of these two words is rare, but they’re worth a second look.

Problem:
The words “elicit” and “illicit” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The primary definition of the verb “elicit” is to evoke or draw out. For example, elicited a response with a huge lie would be an appropriate use of the verb. The popular definition of the adjective “illicit” is disapproved for moral reasons. For example, an illicit association with her student would be an appropriate use of the adjective.

The challenge with these two words is that they sound fairly alike, especially when speakers are careless with pronunciation. Careless pronunciation by speakers seems to lead to misuse by those listeners who are ignorant that these are two distinct words.

Solution:
Use “elicit” when you want to refer to evoking or drawing out; use “illicit” when you want to label something as immoral or unlawful.

“We’ll see who outdoes each other.”

Adjectives, Common English Blunders

I heard this from an HGTV host discussing two teams.

Problem:
The adjective “each” is incorrect for this sentence.

Explanation:
The adjective “each” essentially means every one of two or more considered one by one. “Each other” is inappropriate in this sentence. The speaker was referring to two teams of interior designers in an HGTV television program, and “who outdoes” refers to whichever team will outdo the other team.

Solution:
“We’ll see who outdoes the other.”