Words that mean something. Words that Russians say most often. Significant - significant

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Clever words borrowed from other languages ​​are designed to amaze others with the intelligence of the speaker or writer. And many people want to know abstruse words for communication and their meaning, but are too lazy to simply look for them on the Internet and use them in simple speech. It's time to finally compile a dictionary of the most incomprehensible words in the Russian language and their meanings and memorize them! Where and how will this help you? For example, in reviews of new films, plays and books, in conversations with colleagues, in talk shows on TV and the blogosphere, “insight”, “excess”, “existential” and, of course, the trendy “cognitive” are flashed here and there with an important air. dissonance". But you don’t understand a word, and no one wants to feel “close-minded” and ignorant.

Remember the proverb “The word is not a sparrow; if it flies out, you won’t catch it”? Full list We, of course, cannot give you the smartest words in the world that can be used for conversation, and their meaning, but we bring to your attention a list of literate smart words for communicating with people (and their meaning) - a kind of mini-dictionary of popular smart expressions.

Smart nouns

The most useful complicated words with meanings that everyone should know are nouns, because they are the basis of our speech. All these buzzwords, like “insight”, “collaboration”, “frustration”... So, let’s replenish lexicon long, clever words that you need to know by heart.

ADDICTION

The English word addiction characterizes dependence, addiction, a way of escaping reality. Addictions are not only alcoholism, gambling, drug addiction, and smoking. Psychologists assure: a similar mechanism of addiction is found in those who overeat, live and burn at work, love extreme sports, hang out on the Internet for days, love creativity and... fall in love. Another thing is that forms of addiction are divided into those acceptable by society, such as workaholism or falling in love, and unacceptable, such as excessive craving for alcohol.

AMPHIBOLICITY

Amphibolicity is the ambiguity of a concept, its contradictory interpretation. As a rule, this word is used rarely - in dissertations, in court hearings or in biochemical work. But it’s not bad to understand if someone says “this is amphibolic” or “the amphibolic nature of this concept baffles me, because I adhered strictly to one line,” but you understand that it’s all about the ambiguity of the concept you are discussing.

VIS.

“French” vis-a-vis in Russian can be both an adverb (“sit vis-a-vis”, that is, opposite each other), and a noun, both masculine and female(“my smart counterpart”, “your beautiful counterpart”). You have every right to call your counterpart the one who is opposite you, with whom you are sitting face to face.

IDIOSYNCRASY

What did Stirlitz mean when he said: “I have an idiosyncrasy for rhyme”? The fact that he is completely devoid of poetic gift. He was modest, of course... A word with ancient Greek roots (idos - “separate, special”; synkrasis - “mixture”) for a long time was familiar only to doctors, but came into wide use as a synonym for the words “allergy”, “rejection”: “Yes, he has an idiosyncrasy for everything new!”, “I have an idiosyncrasy for empty talk.”

INSIGHT

Translated from English, “insight” literally means insight, insight. This concept is used in philosophy and psychology to convey insight, a sudden understanding of something that is not inferred from past experience. So someone will say: “And then it dawned on me!” - and someone will proudly declare: “I had an insight!”

COLLABORATION

The unification of several equal, independent participants to achieve common goals in fashion, art, business, science and education is called (from the English collaboration - cooperation). For example, at the end of March in honor of the 50th anniversary of the science fiction franchise “ Star Trek» cosmetics company MAC announced the release of a Star Trek beauty collection. Makeup options will be borrowed from the movie heroines of the franchise and implemented using 25 limited-edition products for lips, eyes and face. Sales start in August 2016.

CARRILLISM

A phenomenon in which the interlocutor asks you a question again, although he heard it perfectly well. Why is he doing this? Scientists say that a person does this consciously or subconsciously in order to have more time to formulate an answer. They (or their colleagues) are still arguing about the origin of the word. Many associate him with American politician John Kerry, who at the end of 2015 could not immediately answer a question from a Russian schoolboy and asked him again several times. If anyone wants to accuse you of being slow to respond, tell them that this is nothing more than Carrilism, and you need a couple of seconds to formulate an answer.

LIPOPHRENIC

Remember this: “Don’t touch me, old woman, I’m sad.” It was not Ivan the Terrible who said this, but a lipophrenic. In more detail, a lipophrenic is a person who feels irresistible sadness, melancholy and does not know the reasons for the appearance of this condition. Lipophrenia, which is also called apathy, depression, melancholy, usually appears from being alone for a long time, from routine activities or insufficient activity (which is important for modern youth), as well as from a lack of positive emotions. If you don’t want to bear the not-so-proud name “lipophrenic,” do your favorite things more often, prefer live communication to virtual communication, and walk more in the fresh air.

NATIFORMA

Have you ever seen heart-shaped stones or a tomato with a nose? If yes, then you are halfway to understanding the word “natiform”. But here is a more special case, because natiform is a natural formation that resembles the outlines female body or parts thereof. It could be a tree that you looked at from a certain angle and saw shoulders, chest, waist, hips... Or stones in a rock that look so bizarre that they reminded you of your ex. These are all natiforms.

PALINFRASIA

Have you noticed that some people repeat one word or phrase in almost every sentence? If not, you are lucky, and if you have encountered this, congratulate your friend: he has palinphrasia. It’s not contagious, but it’s absolutely unpleasant when in every sentence they say “sir” or “I told you that...”. And so on in a circle. As a result, you will not hear other words, you will lose the essence of the story and generally lose all interest in the conversation.

SYNERGY

When this word is mentioned, one usually remembers its arithmetic “formula”: 1 + 1 = 3. The ancient Greek synergeia is translated as “cooperation, commonwealth.” It means an amazing effect that occurs when several subjects or objects interact. This cumulative effect exceeds the return from the actions of each participant in the process individually. An example of synergy: you've mastered a few secrets of applying concealer, and your friend knows the ins and outs of mascara. By sharing life hacks, both of you, without losing your previous experience, will gain new ones, that is, you will grow in the art of makeup.

SOPHISTRY

Philosophical movement in Ancient Greece, whose followers were famous for their ability to cunningly conduct scientific disputes, gave the name to verbal statements based on juggling facts, simplifications, and violations of logic. Another sophist (from the ancient Greek sophia - “skill, skill, cunning invention, trick, wisdom, knowledge”) is brilliantly able to prove obvious absurdity: “Half-empty is the same as half-full. If the halves are equal, then the wholes are equal. Therefore, the empty is the same as the full.” Therefore, sophistry in a figurative sense refers to any speech that is built on false conclusions, but disguises itself as correct, logical.

TOUCHET

The word "touché" (touchér in French - touch), borrowed from the sports sphere, brings an end to a certain dispute when one of the interlocutors admits the rightness, the superiority of the other after a decisive argument or a verbal jab - what if you competed not in knowledge of the topic, but in wit? Touché, the argument is valid, just as fencing touches or throws on the back of wrestlers, performed according to all the rules, are counted.

FRUSTRATION

To fall into a state of frustration (Latin frustratio - deception, failure, futile expectation) means to experience a whole range of negative feelings due to the inability to achieve what you want. For example, you were planning a vacation at the seaside, had already packed your suitcase, and suddenly your bosses, using carrots and sticks, postpone your vacation a month later because of an important project that cannot be done without you. Naturally, you feel anger, despair, anxiety, irritation, disappointment and hopelessness... Frequent experiences of such states, psychologists note, spoil your character and damage your self-esteem.

EGOCENTRIC

The egoist's namesake, egocentric (from the Latin words ego - “I” - and centrum - “center”) is still not similar to him. An egocentric person is focused on his own inner world, point of view, his own interests, needs and does not notice others, but is able to “move”, help others, hear them if asked for support. Egocentrism is inherent in everyone to one degree or another. An egoist sees other people's interests, but deliberately ignores them, opposes himself to others, always putting his own person first.

EXCESS

The Latin excessus means “exit, evasion.” In Russian, the word consonant with “process” has two meanings. The first is an extreme manifestation of something: “This is not literature, but a graphomaniac excess!” The second is an emergency, a disruption to the normal course of events: “Her gossip caused a real excess in the team.”

ESCAPADE

A daring, shocking, provocative, willful trick in the style of Salvador Dali, Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus, for example, a rotten herring on a hat or a dress made of raw meat, - this is an escapade. The French word escapade also has a second meaning - an adventure trip - which is not in demand in our language.

Smart adjectives

After nouns, it’s time to see a dictionary of smart adjectives for every day and their meanings, because it is the presence of adjectives in your speech that will distinguish you favorably from other interlocutors. Decorate your speech with little-known smart words, believe me: it will help you in all areas of life. These unfamiliar intelligent words (and their meanings) will help increase your status among both friends and colleagues.

UPSCALE

Derived from English adjective upscale – “high quality, first class, exclusive.” Characterizes the absolute embodiment of the desired properties in any subject or object: upscale interior design, upscale sound, upscale image.

VERBAL

This adjective has nothing to do with a tree with fluffy buds, but it has very much to do with our speech. The Latin verbum is translated as “word,” so “verbal” is verbal, oral. For example, verbal thinking, verbal intelligence, verbal method. There is also an adjective “non-verbal” - not having a verbal expression: non-verbal communication, non-verbal signals.

DEVIANT

What do they mean when they talk about deviant behavior? The French word deviation characterizes a deviation from the norm, be it the position of a compass needle, the heading of an airplane or a sea vessel, as well as a feature of the human psyche. In other words, deviant behavior destroys the personality and health of someone who prefers an asocial lifestyle, and also causes moral and material harm to others.

COGNITIVE

Translated from Latin, cognitio is knowledge, cognition. The adjective “cognitive” describes a person’s ability to acquire knowledge, to cognize the world and himself. This psychological term would not be so popular without its “French” companion: dissonance means “discord, disharmony, inconsistency.”

What we get is a kind of “mine is yours, don’t understand” situation, when previous experience and already accumulated knowledge come into conflict with new information, new circumstances. There are two opposing ideas about the same thing in your head at once. Let’s say your friend emphasizes that he values ​​punctuality very much, you like it, and at the same time you don’t remember a single meeting when he was not late. So should we consider him punctual, organized, true to his word and justify his behavior as accidents or not? The need to choose one thing, evaluate and interpret the newly received picture becomes a cause of mental discomfort.

Another stable phrase, the meaning of which not everyone knows, can be called a synonym for “cognitive dissonance”. This is a “pattern break.” This is a broader concept, but the essence is the same: you had some kind of scheme in your head regarding a person, concept, phenomenon, and overnight this scheme collapses due to new knowledge. It turns out that two and two are not always four. Like this?..

SMART

WITH English word“smart” is translated as “intelligent”, “savvy”. This is precisely the meaning of the word “smart” that is now used in Russia. It cannot be said that it is firmly entrenched in the minds of Russians, but if you do not know what a “smart watch” or “smart television” is, and even more so a “smartphone”, shame on you. To put it simply, the prefix (or part in the word) “smart” means “smart”: smartphone = smart phone, smart watch = smart watch, etc. As you probably noticed, the word “smart” is used specifically with high-tech items, so when using it, pay attention to the context.

TRANSPARENT

An adjective with English roots (transparent) is held in high regard by politicians, bloggers and even cosmetologists. The former enter into transparent agreements and voice transparent positions without secrets or omissions, while the latter vow to be as open and sincere as possible with the audience. And transparent, that is, transparent powder does not look like a mask on the face and at the same time mattifies it perfectly. Yes, she is unable to hide skin imperfections, but that’s another topic for discussion.

TRANSCENDENTAL

There is a good understandable word “incomprehensible”. And when, outside of a philosophical debate, one wants to add intellectual depth to speeches, some flaunt the Latin “transcendent” (transcendentis) with the same meaning. And now the speaker or writer and his audience begin to look for and discuss transcendental meanings, connections, feelings...

TRIVIAL

Banal, boring, ordinary, primitive, ordinary - that’s how many synonyms the adjective “trivial” has. It has French origins, and in the native language trivial means the same thing - something ordinary. Fewer interlocutors with trivial thoughts and anecdotes, theater productions and film premieres with a trivial plot!

EXISTENTIAL

Another philosophical concept related to existence, human life. Latin word Existentia is translated as “existence”. There are many things that influence our days, but the use of the epithet “existential” adds a universal dimension to these “agents of influence.” Existential problems, crises, experiences are phenomena that exist at the core of the world, manifest themselves in reality and are often beyond the control of human will.

Conclusion

In general, if not all the new words were able to immediately fit into your head, we advise you to compile a dictionary of complex intellectual words for conversation, which few people know, with their meaning, of course, and use them as often as possible - in correspondence, when writing in a diary, in conversation . This is the only way it won’t become empty information that you will forget about when you close this page. And by the way: don’t think that this is shameful or feigned. There is no shame in looking for and memorizing tricky words with definitions in order to appear smart. After all, the request “complex words with explanations for smart people» is found very often in RuNet. Note that for already “smart people”, stupid people won’t even look for this.

What we wouldn’t advise you to look for on the Internet are smart words for a girl’s status that no one knows. If no one knows them, why write them in the status? By the way, there is also a list with very clever synonyms for in simple words, which you need to know in order to shine in a conversation, but more about that some other time.

Our Russian language is rich and beautiful. In this section we have placed interesting, unusual, outdated, rare words of the Russian language and their meanings. A list of the longest words in the Russian language is also provided.

Abulia means lack of will, indecision, unreason.

To chatter means to speak hastily, incoherently; chat.

Shandal - candlestick.

Sickle - slurp out loud, loudly.

Avania is an insult, a resentment.

Agora is a city square, market, bazaar.

Aqua tofana means poison.

Advice - exhortation, advice, instruction.

Asps are poisonous snakes

Google is a big deal.

Custodian is a watchman.

Grivoise - playful, immodest.

Shibai is a small merchant and reseller.

Expressions “man of the twentieth” - employee.

"Egyptian maidens" are gypsies.

“On the third platoon” - very drunk.

Rubbing money in your eyes means using other people's money in your own way, squandering it.

The village words are Drolya (beloved guy) and Makitra (girl).

Ahead of time - in advance.

Ischer is a hot coal.

Lapidity - brevity, conciseness, expressiveness of syllable, style.

A whip is a belt whip.

A pick is a rag used to take a pot out of a hot oven; cloth for various kitchen needs.

A finger is a finger of a hand.

A midwife is a midwife, a woman who delivers a child.

Salop - ancient women's outer dress

Seredovich is a middle-aged man.

Conscience won't bother you - conscience won't bother you.

Susek is a chest in which flour or grain is stored.

Stomata is an external hole in a Russian stove.

To be philandering is to behave strangely, unusually.

Reveal - report, inform the authorities about something.

Dishes - food, dishes.

Words we have lost.

Well, not completely lost. They are preserved in the dictionary with the mark obsolete or archaic.

We present to you four of the rarest, in our opinion, words known only to the most avid philologists.

Anchorite
The mysterious anchorite simply denotes a person living alone. Although at first glance it sounds like another name in poetic meter. Or as the name of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.

Pale yellow
Hint: This word means color. Pale yellow color.

Two
In modern Russian, “unit” and “trinity” have been preserved as similar in education, and this word has been replaced by “pair”. Not to be confused with a verb!

Alcota
It has the same root as the word “hunger”, and not the one you’re thinking about. Once upon a time this word meant “hunger”, but today...

the longest words in the Russian language:

• Misanthropy.
• “water-mud-peat-paraffin treatment” (29 letters)
• Overly considerate.
• "Cocamidopropylpropylene glycoldimonium chloride phosphate" (48 letters, Chemical substance)
• Defensiveness.
• “Tetrahydropyranylcyclopentyltetrahydropyridopyridine” (55 letters, chemical substance)
• Hypomonstresquipedalophobia (26) - fear of reading and pronouncing long words out loud.
• “fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy” (31 letters, medical diagnostic procedure)
• In the 1993 Guinness Book of Records, the longest word in the Russian language is named X-ray electrocardiographic (33 letters), in the 2003 edition it is exceedingly considerate (35 letters)
• “four hundred and fifty-seven millimeter” (37 letters, gun barrel)
• Your Excellency.
• “typhlosurdooligophrenopedagogy” (30 letters, pedagogical term)
• Mini electric paint sprayer.
• “methoxychlorodiethylaminomethylbutylaminoacridine” (44 letters, chemical substance, another name is acriquine)
• Re-examination.
• “Hydrazinocarbonylmethylbromophenyldihydrobenzdiazepine” (50 letters, tranquilizer Gidazepam)
• X-raycardioelectrographic.
• “car electric windows” (27 letters)

This section contains unusual, outdated words Russian language and their meaning. There is also a list of the longest Russian words.

Ambivalence- duality of experience, expressed in the fact that one object simultaneously evokes two opposing feelings in a person.

Ambigram- graphically depicted words or phrases - perverts, i.e. readable on both sides. A simple example, the year is 1961 (if the units are sans serif). Complex A. - words in the form of a complex symmetrical calligraphic pattern.

Anagram- a word or phrase formed by rearranging letters or components, for example, "orange" and "spaniel".

Aneurysm- extension. In medicine - local expansion, for example, of a blood vessel.

Apology- excessive praise, biased, biased position due to special interest in relation to a phenomenon, object or person.

Authenticity- authenticity.

Outsourcing- transfer by one organization of certain business processes and production functions to another organization. For example, accounting, equipment maintenance, transport services, etc.

Bulimia- insatiable constant hunger, a painful condition, which is sometimes the cause of obesity.

Burime - composing poems based on given rhymes, or simply playing rhymes.

Validity- full compliance with certain standards or compliance of the result with the initially set tasks.

Virality- the effect of “viral” dissemination of information by the very persons for whom this information was intended.

Grooming- pet care. Now primarily used to describe cosmetic care for dogs and cats.

Downshifting- voluntary renunciation of the benefits of civilization in favor of a simple and free life. For example, the transition from an urban lifestyle to a rural one.

Deja vu- the feeling that what is being experienced at the moment has already happened before.

Decoupage- decorative technique in decoration and design: cutting out any patterns from flat materials (leather, fabric, wood) and then gluing them onto the surface to be decorated.

Dumping- dumping of goods or services at a significantly reduced price as a means of competition.

Divergence- discrepancy of any signs and properties as a result of certain processes or external factors.

Identification- establishing correspondence based on a number of direct and indirect characteristics, identification or self-identification.

Impress- make a positive impression, inspire respect, be liked.

Indifference- indifference, indifference.

Insurgent- rebel.

Hypochondria- painfully depressed state, painful suspiciousness.

Carving- artistic cutting, usually of vegetables and fruits. Also in hairdressing - long-term perm.

Customization- focus on the consumer, following the direct needs of the buyer when producing goods or providing services.

Quintessence- the most important thing, the essence.

Cognitive- the ability of consciousness to perceive information and assimilate it.

Come il faut- something decent that fits into generally accepted norms.

Convergence- rapprochement and acquisition of similarities in a number of characteristics of initially different systems.

Congeniality- similarity in spirit, similarity of thoughts.

Conglomeration- the connection of dissimilar objects into one whole while maintaining their original properties and characteristics.

Consensus- agreement on a controversial issue, achieved as a result of a rapprochement of positions.

Constant- constant value, unchangeable parameter.

Credo- life principles, worldview beliefs.

Lability- instability, variability.

Latency- secrecy, dim manifestation of an existing characteristic.

Leasing- long-term rental of equipment, etc., in which the lessee gradually pays its cost, thereby acquiring the leased property.

Marginal- located on the edge or beyond the main one. The opposite of the establishment.

Misalliance- unequal marriage with a person of lower status, union with an unequal partner.

Memorandum- a reference document recording some facts, circumstances, etc.

Commercialism- pettiness, following selfish interests.

Metabolism- metabolism, as well as a direction in architecture characterized by dynamic variability: long-term buildings are combined with temporary ones.

Mise-en-scene- the location of the actors on stage. In a broad sense - the arrangement of characters.

Misophobia- fear of dirt, obsessive fear of pollution.

bad manners- bad manners, bad manners.

Nyctophobia- fear of night and insomnia.

Oxymoron- a combination of incompatible things. A stylistic figure is a combination of words with opposite meanings, for example, “hot snow.” Or colloquial: “Do you want some tea?” “Yes, no, perhaps...”

Ontogenesis- individual development of the body.

Offer- an offer to conclude a deal.

Paradigm- a basic conceptual scheme, characteristic of a certain period of time, underlying the definition and assessment of problems and their solutions, a complex of dominant trends in science.

Perturbation- an unexpected and sudden change in the course of events in a problematic direction.

Perfectionism- striving for perfection, following high ideals, increased demands on oneself and others. Can be considered as positive trait personality, but can also be perceived as a pathological form of a neurotic disorder.

Pleonasm- the use of unnecessary words in speech or text that do not add meaning, but enhance expressiveness, for example, “path-road.”

Pluralism- diversity or plurality, both in mundane and philosophical contexts. Monism - when it's the other way around - is one thing. Dualism recognizes only duality.

Postulate- truth accepted without evidence.

Preamble- the introductory part of some large text, justifying it.

Presumption- an assumption based on probability. In a legal context, it is the recognition of a fact as reliable until the contrary is proven. For example, the presumption of innocence and, conversely, guilt.

Prerogative- advantage, exclusive right due to position, right of first priority.

Prolongation- extension of the contract beyond the stipulated period.

Prostration- exhaustion, loss of strength, accompanied by indifference to the surrounding reality.

Reduction- transition from complex to simple, weakening of something.

Resonance- in physics, an increase in the amplitude of oscillations when they coincide with external harmonic influences. In a general sense, a reaction to a certain phenomenon, an echo of something. To resonate is to be in a state of resonance.

Reincarnation- rebirth of the soul.

Raiding- “free hunting”, actions with the aim of seizing, and sometimes destroying, someone else’s property.

Repair- compensation by the defeated party for material damage as a result of hostilities to the winner.

Representativeness- representativeness, demonstrativeness.

Retardation- a compositional technique consisting of delaying the narrative with the help of digressions, reasoning, spatial descriptions, and introductory scenes. Also, later formation of the organ and its slower development.

Reference- a characteristic or review of someone or something.

Reflection- reflection on your inner state, introspection.

Simulacrum- an image or explanation of something that does not exist in reality. A copy that does not have the original.

Synopsis- presentation of a certain topic in a highly compressed and generalized form.

Sociopathy- antisocial personality disorder. A mental disorder characterized by ignoring (inability to comply with) social norms, aggressiveness, and inappropriate behavior in public.

Status quo- the actual state of affairs.

Sublimation- release of affective energy through creativity and active social or other activities.

Substance- objective reality: matter or spirit, to choose from.

Tautology- a combination of words that are identical or similar in meaning (for example, “oil”), as well as the use of verbal forms of the same concept in the interpretation of a concept (for example, “an astronomer is a scientist who studies astronomy”).

Tactile- tactile.

Transliteration- writing words of one alphabet in letters of another. For example, "for example". There are corresponding standards for transferring Russian words into Latin.

Transcendental- the most generalized, initially inherent in the mind, but not acquired.

Trend- current trend, “the highlight of the season.”

Trolling- provocative behavior in Internet communication aimed at changing the topic of conversation and inciting conflicts. The term is actively included in real life. A troll is a person who commits provocative actions.

Utility- exceptional practicality.

Fetish- an object of blind, unconscious worship.

Physiognomy- the doctrine of the correspondence of facial features and appearance a person's character and thoughts. In a broad sense, a description of hidden internal traits based on external appearance.

Filigree- professionalism, precision in detail.

Franchise(franchising) - a commercial concession, i.e. the right of one party to use the capabilities and resources of the other party, in the most simplified and general sense - the lease of a trademark.

Frapping- it’s unpleasant to surprise.

Frustration- a state of depression, anxiety arising as a result of the collapse of hopes, the impossibility of achieving goals.

Hipster- a representative of the modern youth subculture with characteristic elitist ostentatious behavior and emphasized intellectual predilections in cinema, music, fine arts etc.

Happening- a kind of action, like a work of art.

Cheating, cheating- a very recent borrowing from in English, denoting a bypass or violation of some rules. Accordingly, cheating is a process, and the cheater is the one doing it.

Euthanasia- deliberate killing of a terminally ill person in order to end his suffering.

Heuristic- a field of knowledge that studies creative activity.

Euphemism- decent and acceptable expression instead of rude or obscene.

Egalitarianism- the concept of total equalization in society, in the economy, etc. - “universal equality”, equalization. Contradicts the basic laws of nature.

Exaltation- excited state, unhealthy activity.

Excess- an extreme form of manifestation of something, a process going beyond the boundaries of its normal course.

Empathy- the ability to put oneself in the place of another person, understanding another person “through oneself.”

Epicureanism- the desire to satisfy sensual instincts, an easy life and wealth (see hedonism).

Escapism- the desire to hide from reality in a fictional world.

“Fill out the form and write your autobiography” - we often hear such phrases and do not think that this is a mistake from the category of “oil oil”. An autobiography is a description of one’s life (autos - “myself”, bios - “life” and grapho - “I write”). It is impossible to write someone else’s autobiography, so the use of a possessive pronoun in this case is unnecessary.

2. Ambitious

Think before you write ambition in the strengths column on your resume. An ambitious and purposeful person are different concepts. Ambition is heightened pride, excessive conceit, as well as various claims and claims. The adjective derived from this word also has a negative emotional connotation.

3. Appeal - operate

These words are often confused. In fact, they are completely different. To appeal means to turn to someone or something for support: “Appeal to authority.” This word is interpreted even more narrowly in legal practice: appeal - complaint, appeal - to protest something. You can operate with some tools or data. “An expert uses statistics” means that he skillfully demonstrates them. If he calls on statistical research for help, then he is already appealing to statistics.

4. A priori

Many people understand this adverb as something that goes without saying and does not require proof. But in philosophy, to think a priori means to have an idea about something without testing it in practice (from the Latin a priori - “from what precedes”). The antonym is the word “a posteriori” - a judgment based on existing experience. So you can’t be a priori sure of the meaning of a word until you look in the dictionary.

5. Test - try

These words are sometimes used interchangeably. To avoid such a mistake, remember: to test means to check and approve. As a rule, we are talking about some kind of official procedures: “Scientists have tested a new medicine - it will soon go on sale.” Cannot be tested semolina porridge, unless, of course, this is some kind of large study, the results of which will result in a written conclusion.

6. Asexual

Sometimes they mistakenly call an unattractive person this way. The term "asexuality" means weak sexual instinct. An asexual person can be damn cute, but at the same time indifferent to.

7. Authentic

Fashionable word. Every now and then something becomes authentic - cafes, performances and even people. But the word “authenticity” ≠ “originality”. It means authenticity, correspondence to the original. Authentic can be a contract or a product, as well as works of art.

8. Hypothesis - theory

Close, but not identical concepts. A hypothesis is a scientific assumption put forward to substantiate a phenomenon and requires experimental verification. A theory (in one of its meanings) is an opinion about anything, developed on the basis of observations. In other words, within the framework of a theory, a hypothesis can be put forward to prove certain provisions of this theory.

9. Dilemma is a problem

Solving a dilemma and coping with a problem are not the same thing. A dilemma is a difficult choice between two mutually exclusive options. To be or not to be? The third, as a rule, is not given. A problem is, first of all, an unpleasant situation with many or no solutions.

10. Agreement - contract

Very similar concepts, but there are semantic and legal nuances. A contract is an agreement between two or more persons. According to civil law, it can be concluded both in written and oral form. A contract is always a written agreement. Moreover, according to the current legislation, one of its parties, as a rule, is the state.

11. Significant - significant

There is also a lot of confusion with these adjectives. Words, for example, can be meaningful, that is, having weight or having a special meaning. Significant is primarily large in size or strength; something that makes a huge difference. Therefore, the company's profit will always be significant.

12. For - so that

These conjunctions are often used incorrectly because they do not know their meaning. Look in the dictionary so as not to make a mistake when joining subordinate clause. The conjunction “for” corresponds to the conjunctions “because” and “since,” and “in order” corresponds to the conjunction “so that.”

13. Ideology - ideologicalness

These concepts cannot be replaced with each other. Ideology is a belief system that shapes a worldview. Previously, the world was clearly divided into adherents of one or another political and economic ideology. Ideology is loyalty to some point of view, idea.

14. Quintessence

This word comes from the Latin quinta essentia - “fifth essence”. In ancient and medieval philosophy, the quintessence was the essence, the basis of anything. Now for some reason this term is used to combine various concepts, for example: “The author noticed that his book is the quintessence of many genres, connecting many plots.” And this, of course, is not true.

15. Traveler - business traveler

“Hotel accommodations are for business travelers only” - many will pass by such an advertisement without suspecting a catch. But a business trip is something inanimate related to a business trip. You can't talk about people like that. A person who has gone somewhere to carry out an official assignment is on a business trip: “The company rented a hotel for business travelers and pays them travel allowances.”

16. Come il faut

Having heard the phrase “Call him, otherwise I’m somehow not comme il faut,” we immediately understand that one person is embarrassed to dial another’s number. This word is often used to mean “convenient/inconvenient” or “comfortable/uncomfortable”. Few people know that the dictionary meaning of the word “come il faut” is sophisticated, refined, corresponding to the rules of good manners. “In public he behaves comme il faut, but at home...”

17. Competence - competence

Knowledge and experience in a certain field should not be confused with the ability to use them. For example, if a company has a vacancy for a lawyer, then only a person with a higher legal education (competence) can fill it. But having a diploma does not guarantee the competence of applicants.

18. Congenial

Many are convinced that this is the superlative form of the adjective “brilliant.” Like, congenial - it’s like genius, only even better. But the word actually comes from the Latin con (“together”) and genialis (“pertaining to genius”). Moreover, “genius” in Latin is spirit. Thus, congenial is congenial. A congenial person is one who is close in way of thinking and values.

19. Credit - loan

These terms can sometimes be used interchangeably (depending on the context). However, it is important to remember the legal differences between these concepts. A bank or other lending institution issues money, for which interest is charged. The subject of a loan can be not only money, but also things, and not necessarily on a reimbursable basis.

20. Liberalism - libertarianism

Two ideological trends with similar names, but different content. Liberalism unites supporters of the parliamentary system, broad political freedoms and entrepreneurship. The main feature of libertarianism is the prohibition of “aggressive violence.” Supporters of this political movement believe that any manifestation of force and even the threat of its manifestation should be punishable by law.

21. Loyal

Many people equate this word with condescension: “If the teacher was loyal, he installed it automatically.” Let's look in the dictionary: “Loyal - keeping loyalty to the existing state power, the existing order.” Only in the second meaning - a correct attitude towards someone or something - is loyalty similar to condescension, but it is still impossible to put an equal sign between these concepts.

22. Marginal

When the press does not want to offend the homeless or beggars, they are “politely” called marginalized. But in sociology this term is much broader. A marginalized person is someone who finds himself in a new situation and has not yet adapted to it. For example, a marginal position is occupied by a person who has just moved from a village to a city.

23. Misalliance - union

Following the logic that "alliance" is the root, some believe that misalliance represents some kind of union of people or states. In fact, misalliance is nothing more than an unequal marriage (the root is “misalliance”). The phrase “Japan-Korea misalliance” may sound ambiguous and sometimes offensive.

24. Misanthrope

Avoids people, does not strive to communicate - this characteristic suits not only misanthropes, but also introverts. Therefore, these concepts are often confused and identified. But a misanthrope (literally, a misanthrope) not only reduces social contacts to a minimum - people infuriate him. He doesn’t trust anyone, sees only the bad in everything and suspects everyone of something. Misanthropy can be selective and manifest itself in hatred only towards men or, conversely, towards women. for the most part they are absolutely darling.

25. Mental - conceivable

Feel the difference with examples: “Is it conceivable to fail a session!” - the mother screamed in rage. “La-li-lay...” - the daughter mentally sang. A mental one is an imaginary one that lives somewhere in your thoughts. And conceivable is something that is difficult to imagine (but possible).

26. Unflattering - unpleasant

The first word is often used as a synonym for the second: “What an impartial guy!” But it is wrong to say so. In fact, impartial is impartial, fair, one who does not seek to please anyone. If someone calls you an impartial person, consider it a compliment.

27. Intolerant - intolerable

Words similar in spelling, but different in meaning. An intolerant is someone who lacks tolerance, or something that cannot be tolerated. For example, an intolerant misanthrope or intolerant rudeness. Intolerable is unbearable, acting so strongly that it cannot be tolerated. Pain or wind can be unbearable.

28. Nonsense

This word is often given the wrong meaning: “The new iPhone is just nonsense!” They wanted to emphasize the incredible coolness and sensationalism of the gadget, but they said that it was nonsense and absurdity. After all, this is precisely the meaning of the word “nonsense”.

29. Odious

Be wary if someone in your environment is called an odious person. It’s good if people simply don’t know that odious is not extravagant and extraordinary, but something that causes a storm of negative emotions. What if not?

30. Organic - organic

Adjectives in which it is easy to get confused if you do not learn once and for all that organic is determined by the very essence of someone or something (synonym - natural). And organic is related to a living organism. Even more narrowly - consisting of carbon. Example: “The monument to doctors fighting organic brain damage fits organically into the city’s landscape.”

31. Pathos

This word is often understood as pretense. In fact, páthos means “passion” in Greek. Pathos is elation, inspiration. In literary works, this term denotes the highest emotional point reached by the characters and which finds a response in the hearts of readers.

32. Teacher - teacher

An equal sign is often put between these words, although these concepts are not at all identical. A teacher is a person who is engaged in teaching or educational activities (synonym - mentor). A teacher is a middle- or higher-level worker educational institution teaching any subject (mathematics teacher, literature teacher). Thus, a teacher is an occupation, a profession, and a teacher is a specialization.

33. Gift - souvenir

Using these words as synonyms is not always appropriate. A souvenir is a memorable thing associated with visiting a place. What we buy as a memory of a country, city or person. The expressions “memorable souvenir” or “memento souvenir” have semantic redundancy. If the gift is not related to the trip, it is better to write “gift”.

34. Under the auspices

According to ancient Greek mythology, the aegis is the cape of Zeus, which has magical properties. To be under the auspices means to be protected by some powerful force, to rely on the support of someone or something. It is incorrect to use this expression to mean “under pretext.” It is impossible to say: “Under the auspices of consumer rights protection, Rospotrebnadzor conducted a raid on retail outlets cities".

35. Change - change

Words that should not be mixed in written literary speech. To exchange means to give away what is yours and receive something else instead, that is, to exchange something. To change means to make something different. The expression “He completely changed his life” is wrong, as is “She changed her maiden name to her husband’s last name.”

36. Almost - almost

These adverbs are often confused. You can write “Almost everything remains the same” and “Almost everything remains the same,” but the meaning will be different. The adverb “practically” can be replaced by the expression “in practice” or “essentially.” Then our example would sound like this: “In practice, everything remains the same” or “In essence, everything remains the same.” In other words, things are still there. The adverb “almost” means that something is missing; it can be replaced by the expression “almost.” The sentence “Mostly everything remains the same” has a different semantic connotation: something has been done, but not much.

37. Painting - signature

Related words, but they should not be identified. A signature is an inscription under something (under + write). For example, write your last name under the text of the contract. Painting is decorative painting on walls, ceilings or objects. From a literary point of view, the request to put a signature on the document is incorrect. Replacing a signature with a signature can only be done in colloquial speech.

38. Today's - present

“Today’s”, that is, relating to current day, should not be confused with the word “current”. The last concept is broader. It covers everything that relates to the current year (month, summer, season).

39. Sentence

Maxims usually mean some statements, remarks or theses. But it is important to remember that, according to the dictionary, these should not be any statements, but sayings of a moralizing nature.

40. Sociopath - social phobe

The first suffers from dissocial personality disorder, and therefore does not take into account social norms and rules, does not care about morality and constantly challenges others. The second is a person who is afraid of society. He may be afraid to talk to a stranger on the street or be in a crowded place. Sociopathy - type mental disorder, social phobia - . It is impossible to put an equal sign between these concepts.

41. Typical - typical

Consonant, but different in meaning words. Do not confuse: typical - embodying characteristics someone or something. Typical is one that corresponds to some pattern.

42. Frustration - prostration

These concepts are often confused even by psychologists themselves. Frustration is a feeling of anxiety that arises from the inability to achieve what you want. In other words, dissatisfaction. Prostration is a depressed, apathetic state, a loss of strength, when you don’t want and can’t do anything.

43. Functionality - functionality

Even in serious IT publications they make the unfortunate mistake of calling functionality functionality and vice versa. It's not the same thing. Functionality is a collection possible options use or possible actions performed by a certain object: the functionality of a smartphone or laptop. A functional is a numerical function defined on a vector space.

44. Empathy

This psychological term is sometimes confused and identified with sympathy. Empathy is the ability to connect emotional condition another person, to feel his experiences. We are not always able to take the place of another person, even if we like him.