Frequently Confused Words Set 20

Council (noun): An assembly or group for advice or governance.
Counsel (noun/verb): Advice or guidance; to give advice.
Example: “The council met to discuss the budget.” / “She sought legal counsel.”

Defer (verb): To delay or postpone.
Differ (verb): To be different or to disagree.
Example: “They decided to defer the meeting until next week.” / “Their opinions differ on the matter.”

Discrete (adjective): Individually separate or distinct.
Discreet (adjective): Careful or circumspect in speech or actions.
Example: “The data was divided into discrete categories.” / “She was discreet about sharing personal information.”

Elicit (verb): To draw out or bring forth.
Illicit (adjective): Illegal or forbidden.
Example: “The question elicited many thoughtful responses.” / “He was arrested for his illicit activities.”

Aloud (adverb): Spoken out loud or audibly.
Allowed (verb): Permitted or let happen.
Example: “She read the poem aloud to the class.” / “Students are not allowed to bring phones to exams.”

Aisle (noun): A passageway between rows of seats or shelves.
Isle (noun): A small island.
Example: “The bride walked down the aisle.” / “The Caribbean is known for its beautiful isles.”

Lightning (noun): A sudden flash of light in the sky during a storm.
Lightening (verb): The process of becoming lighter in color or weight.
Example: “The storm brought loud thunder and lightning.” / “She is lightening her hair with highlights.”

Role (noun): A part played by a person in a particular situation.
Roll (noun/verb): A cylindrical object or to move by turning over and over.
Example: “Her role in the project was critical.” / “He rolled the ball across the floor.”

Born (verb): To come into existence by birth.
Borne (verb): To carry or support.
Example: “She was born in April.” / “The disease is borne by insects.”

Accept (verb): To agree to or receive something willingly.
Except (preposition/conjunction): Excluding or apart from.
Example: “She accepted the invitation with a smile.” / “Everyone was invited except Tom.”