Wordbay · Often misused

Commonly misused words

Words that don’t mean what many people think they mean, with the traditional meaning first and a note on how usage is shifting.

Everyday (15)

bemused adjective. Puzzled or bewildered, often in a slightly dazed way.
decimate verb. To kill or destroy a large part of something.
dilemma noun. A situation where you must choose between two options that are both difficult or unwelcome.
disinterested adjective. Not swayed by any personal gain; impartial.
enormity noun. Great wickedness, or a deeply wicked act.
epicentre noun. The point on the earth's surface directly above where an earthquake begins.
fortuitous adjective. Happening by chance rather than by design.
ironic adjective. Turning out the opposite of what was expected, often with a grimly funny twist.
irregardless adverb. A non-standard form of regardless, meaning without paying attention to something.
literally adverb. In a real, exact sense, without exaggeration or metaphor.
nauseous adjective. Causing a feeling of sickness; sickening.
nonplussed adjective. So surprised or confused that you don't know how to react.
penultimate adjective. Second to last in a series.
peruse verb. To read or examine something carefully and thoroughly.
plethora noun. An excess of something; more than is needed or wanted.

beg the question phrase. To argue in a circle, assuming the very thing you are trying to prove.
cohort noun. A group of people with something in common, such as their age or the year they joined.
comprise verb. To consist of or be made up of.
electrocute verb. To kill someone or something with an electric shock.
enervate verb. To drain someone of energy or strength.
fulsome adjective. Flattering or effusive to the point of seeming insincere.
hoi polloi noun. Ordinary people, the masses, usually said with mock disdain.
home in phrase. To move steadily and accurately towards a target, or to focus closely on something.
moot adjective. Open to argument and not yet settled.
noisome adjective. Having a very unpleasant smell; offensive or harmful.
pristine adjective. In its original state, untouched and unspoilt.
refute verb. To prove that a statement or argument is wrong.
restive adjective. Impatient and hard to keep still or under control.
reticent adjective. Not inclined to share your thoughts or feelings; reserved.
simplistic adjective. Treating something complicated as if it were much simpler than it really is.
travesty noun. A shockingly bad or absurd imitation of something.
viable adjective. Able to work as intended or to survive and grow.