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Some wrongly used words

In this lesson, we shall consider some words that are often used wrongly. These words almost sound alike, and that is where the confusion lies. The speaker or writer may mean to express one thing, but will end up using another word for it. We shall see those words in the following pairs: Defy and defile Defy : to refuse to obey; to resist or fight. E.g., i. He defied his parents and embarked on the journey. ii. The protesting students have continued to defy all effort to stop them. Defile : to make unclean; to violate; to desecrate. E.g., i. The man was accused of defiling the minor. ii. The young man defiled the shrine when he walked in with his shoes Eligible and legible  Eligible : permitted; qualified; suitable. E.g., i. Only eligible voters can participate during elections. ii. He was not chosen for the competition becuase he was not eligible. Legible : readable. E.g., i. His handwriting is not legible. ii. The document is very legible. Perpetuate and perpetrate  Perpetuate : to c