Words we’ve all been using wrong
You might be pronouncing these common words correctly, but a lot of us don’t know what they actually mean.
Ironic
Category: Adjective
What it means: something that is contrary to all expectations; incongruent in a way that is uncanny
You’re wrong if: you’ve been using this after singing along to Alanis Morissette. No, that’s bad. This word doesn’t mean something is inconvenient, unfortunate, or annoying. How dare you.
Disinterested
Category: Adjective
What it means: not influenced by considerations or personal advantage
You’re wrong if: you’ve been using this word to describe your lack of interest in a subject. The word you want to use in that circumstance is “uninterested”.
Ultimate
Category: Adjective/noun
What it means: the final; something at the end of a process
You’re wrong if: you’ve been using this word to describe the very best example of something. Ultimately, that’s wrong. Sorry ‘bout it.
Cliché
Category: Noun/adjective
What it means: a phrase or expression that is trite
You’re wrong if: you’ve been using this one as an adjective – not a noun. Don’t describe a storyline as cliché – say that the story contained clichés.
Nauseous
Category: Adjective
What it means: to cause nausea
You’re wrong if: you think this describes the way you feel – you want to say “nauseated” if you’re feeling ill.
Fortuitous
Category: Adjective
What it means: A coincidental or unplanned circumstance
You’re wrong if: you thought this means a situation was lucky. It’s confusing because it seems to have the word “fortune” baked right in, but it’s there to mislead you.
Peruse
Category: Verb
What it means: to examine something in depth
You’re wrong if: you think that “perusing” is when you browse the shelves in a store for a couple of minutes – that’s browsing. If you take the time to read the dust jacket of a book – including the author’s bio, then you’re perusing. Well done.
Which of these words have you been using wrong for years? Let us know in the comments!