May 06 2010
They look alike but have different meanings – Part 1
- Languid or Limpid
Languid means something listless, weak or sluggish whereas limpid means something clear or transparent.
- Pretense or Premise
Reviewing a ecommerce website the client claimed, “Our site has been built on the pretense that customer service is our priority.”
The marketing team obviously meant premise, i.e. “the basis for” the company’s devotion to customers…
The word pretense means “pretending, a false claim, insincere or false profession “. This is certainly the last thing the marketing team wanted to imply!
Proofreading Advice: Spell checkers don’t pick up on these errors, so remember to always have your new copy proofread.
