Don’t Let These 20 Misused Words Undermine Your Intelligence
Even the brightest people can sometimes slip up with language. Whether it’s through confusion or habit, certain words are commonly misused, and it can make anyone—no matter how intelligent—sound less educated than they really are.
Misusing a word in conversation or writing might seem minor, but it can undermine your credibility. In this article, we’ll explore 20 commonly misused words that can trip up even the smartest people.
Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll sound sharper and more polished in both your speech and writing.
Literally
People often use “literally” when they mean “figuratively.” Saying “I’m literally dying” when you’re simply stressed is incorrect because “literally” means something is happening in the exact sense.
Irregardless
This word is a double negative. The correct term is “regardless,” as “irregardless” is nonstandard and redundant.
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Affect vs. Effect
“Affect” is a verb meaning to influence, while “effect” is a noun meaning the result of an influence. Mixing them up is a common mistake, even among smart people.
Further vs. Farther
“Further” refers to metaphorical distance or progress, while “farther” is used for physical distance. For example, “I need to think further” versus “I ran farther than yesterday.”
Fewer vs. Less
Use “fewer” for countable items and “less” for uncountable quantities. For example, “fewer apples” but “less water.”
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Disinterested vs. Uninterested
“Disinterested” means impartial, while “uninterested” means not interested. A judge should be disinterested, but someone who doesn’t like sports is uninterested.
Compliment vs. Complement
A “compliment” is a flattering remark, while “complement” means something that completes or enhances. For example, “Your shoes complement your outfit” versus “Thank you for the compliment!”
Emigrate vs. Immigrate
“Emigrate” means to leave one’s country, while “immigrate” means to come into a new country. You emigrate from one place and immigrate to another.
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Imply vs. Infer
The speaker “implies” something, while the listener “infers” it. If you imply something, you suggest it indirectly, but if you infer something, you deduce it from what’s been said.
Everyday vs. Every day
“Everyday” is an adjective meaning commonplace, while “every day” means each day. For example, “I wear everyday clothes” versus “I work out every day.”
Ironic
Many people misuse “ironic” to mean simply unfortunate. “Ironic” refers to something that happens in opposition to what is expected, not just something that’s bad luck.
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Peruse
“Peruse” is often misused to mean skim or glance over, but it actually means to read thoroughly or carefully. If you peruse a document, you’re giving it your full attention.
Decimate
Originally, “decimate” meant to kill one-tenth, but it’s now commonly used to mean to destroy a large portion. However, using it to mean “completely destroy” is incorrect.
Nauseous vs. Nauseated
“Nauseous” means causing nausea, while “nauseated” means feeling sick. If you say “I’m nauseous,” you’re saying you make other people feel sick.
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Anxious vs. Eager
“Anxious” implies worry, while “eager” implies excitement. Saying you’re anxious for a vacation suggests you’re nervous about it, while eager shows you’re looking forward to it.
Historic vs. Historical
“Historic” refers to something important in history, while “historical” simply refers to something that happened in the past. For example, “a historic event” versus “a historical novel.”
Bemused vs. Amused
“Bemused” means confused or bewildered, while “amused” means entertained. If you’re bemused, you’re puzzled, not laughing.
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Bring vs. Take
“Bring” is used when something is being transported toward the speaker, while “take” is used when something is being moved away. For example, “Bring the book to me” but “Take the book to her.”
Principal vs. Principle
“Principal” refers to a person in authority or something of primary importance, while “principle” refers to a fundamental truth or law. For example, “The school principal” versus “a guiding principle.”
Lie vs. Lay
“Lie” is an intransitive verb, meaning to recline, while “lay” is a transitive verb, meaning to place something. For example, “I lie down” but “I lay the book on the table.”
Mastering these commonly misused words will help you avoid embarrassing language slip-ups and keep your speech and writing sharp. Even smart people can fall into the trap of using the wrong word, but paying attention to these distinctions can make all the difference in how you're perceived.
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