Derogate is a formal verb meaning to take away from the value, importance or authority of something, and it usually appears as derogate from. To use derogate in a sentence, name the weakened thing after… Read More »Derogate in a Sentence: Meaning & Examples
Consanguinity is a formal noun meaning a blood relationship between people who share a common ancestor. To use consanguinity in a sentence, treat it as the state of being related by descent: “The court examined… Read More »Consanguinity in a Sentence: Meaning & Examples
Gun for is an informal phrasal verb meaning to pursue someone or something with determination, often in a hostile way. It usually appears in the progressive, as in “The critics are gunning for the new… Read More »Gun For in a Sentence: Meanings, Examples & Practice
Dispassionate is an adjective meaning not influenced by emotion, especially when judging or deciding. It describes a person, tone or analysis that stays calm and fair, as in “a dispassionate review of the evidence.” The… Read More »Dispassionate in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Practice
Yike vs yikes comes down to one fact: yikes is the established interjection for surprise, alarm or dismay, while yike is a rare singular form that most editors avoid. Use yikes in speech and writing… Read More »Yike vs Yikes: Which Word Should You Use?
Close down means to stop operating, whether a business ends trading or a machine is switched off for the night. To use close down in a sentence, name what stops and let the verb follow:… Read More »Close Down in a Sentence: Meaning & Grammar
The zoo vs menagerie choice comes down to institution against collection. Use zoo for a public place that keeps wild animals in enclosures for visitors, education and conservation, and menagerie for a private or historic… Read More »Zoo vs Menagerie: How to Choose the Right Word
Distend is a verb meaning to swell outward because of pressure from inside, and it is used most often of a stomach, a vein or a balloon. To use distend in a sentence, name what… Read More »Distend in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Grammar
Spectrum is a noun for a range that stretches between two opposite extremes, and it also names the band of colours that white light separates into. To use spectrum in a sentence, attach it to… Read More »Spectrum in a Sentence: Meaning, Examples & Grammar
Yearn vs pine comes down to intensity and tone: yearn is a steady, broad longing, while pine adds visible sadness and is often tied to missing someone or somewhere. Use yearn for an ongoing want… Read More »Yearn vs Pine: Meaning, Difference & Examples
Chew on has two senses: to bite at food again and again, and, far more often, to think something over slowly. To use chew on in a sentence, give it an object: “Let me chew… Read More »Chew On in a Sentence: Meaning, Grammar & Examples
Team vs teem is the choice between a group that works together and a verb meaning to be full of something. Use team for the people or the act of joining forces, and teem when… Read More »Team vs Teem: Which Word Do You Need?
Zany vs quirky is the choice between comedy that is wildly silly and an oddity that is small and harmless. Use zany for performances, jokes and situations that are chaotic, and quirky for a specific,… Read More »Zany vs Quirky: Which Word Should You Use?
Excise in a sentence refers to cutting something out, and the same spelling names a tax on goods. The verb is transitive and takes from, so you excise a paragraph from an essay or a… Read More »Excise in a Sentence: Meaning, Uses and Examples
Deface means to spoil the surface or appearance of something by writing, drawing or marking on it. To use deface in a sentence, name the marked thing and the marks: “Someone defaced the library poster… Read More »Deface in a Sentence: Meaning, Uses & Examples
Blow away means to amaze somebody completely, or literally to carry something off in the wind. To use blow away in a sentence, name the thing that causes the reaction and the person who feels… Read More »Blow Away in a Sentence: Meaning, Uses & Examples