The English language can be somewhat confusing at times, especially when you fail to update yourself on the meanings of words regularly.

If you have ever heard someone say, “I was literally scared to death?”, that’s impossible simply because the dead can’t talk. Here are seven more English words you probably have been using wrong.


Disinterested

The word “disinterested” is another misunderstood word in the English language. While many people believe that the word means that you’re simply not interested, the original meaning of “disinterested” refers to a lack of bias or being fair and impartial: “We needed a disinterested judge to decide this case.” To indicate that you’re indifferent about something, you should use the word “uninterested.”


Bemused

People sometimes use the word “bemused” in place of “amused,” but the two words are not synonyms. Bemused means that you’re confused or bewildered.


Literally

The word “literally” is literally one of the most misused words in the English language. This word is often used as a way to emphasize something that happened: “I literally died laughing.”
The word refers to something that actually happened, without exaggeration, such as, “The tornado that came through literally destroyed every house in its path.”


Peruse

A lot of people believe that the word “peruse” means to read something quickly. As a matter of fact, the opposite of this is true. Peruse means to “read with thoroughness or care.” Used correctly, you would say, “I spent at least an hour perusing my notes so that I fully understood it.”


Terrific

This word is one of the words in the English language that has become completely disconnected from its origin. A lot of the time, it is used as a compliment or to describe a good feeling: “That outfit looks terrific!” or “I slept great and feel terrific today!”
However, the origin and proper meaning of the word is completely different, and means “very bad” or “exciting fear”. You might hear something like, “I just saw a terrific accident on my way home from work,” which would unfortunately sound strange in modern language.


Ambivalent

Most people think that the term ambivalent means that you don’t care about something. The word however means that you have contradictory or mixed feelings about a subject matter—not that you’re apathetic.
Used correctly, you could say, “I’m feeling quite ambivalent about where I want to work after graduation this year. I can’t decide whether I should work with a company or start a private business.”


Irregardless

While this word is popular in certain dialects, “irregardless” simply doesn’t exist in the English language. The word that you’re looking for is “regardless.” For example, “Regardless of the cost, they said they’re going to have a society wedding.”

Ambivalent, i don't even know the meaning before now, so i'm not using it wrongly, for the ones i know, i know what they mean so I'm using them correctly.

Thanks anyway

Who confuses such words?

This one now won't make front page o, if is snake now, lalasticlala go down move ham, if Na to ban trend now myd44 go don delete ham....yeye buhari people

You are wrong about "Terrific". It can be either good or bad feeling

Definition of terrific. 1 : unusually fine : magnificent terrific weather. 2 : extraordinary terrific speed. 3a : exciting or fit to excite fear or awe a terrific thunderstorm. b : very bad : frightful.

Ok

Severally and Several Times

English master. We don hear

English master. We don 'hear

Biko let me practice what you've taught.

I was bemused when Atiku expressed his interest to contest.
Mostly because the name Atiku in Nigeria almost literally meant corruption and that the streets had a terrific impression of him.
But as an apostle of truth; I decided to be a disinterested party in this media trial and peruse the facts presented by his traducers.

After doing this, I am happy to declare that my ambivalence about his victory is now changed.
I am certain that Atiku will send Buhari back to Daura regardless of whatever fight BMCs and zombies put up.

Sai Atiku 2019
The man for the job.

ok

Regardless.. This is naija..it will stay dsame way

I was opening this thread with the thought that it would be like every other repetitive thread.. But am actually surprised cos I found some words u have been using wrongly.

The word, "duh" doesn't exist in English Language.

"Sorry" is misused by a lot of youth, even corps members and graduates alike.

Imagine, one day, I was standing in the
ATM queue waiting for my turn to make withdrawal and one Corps member asked me, "sorry who is the last person?", I retorted, " Why are you sorry? You haven't wronged me" and "I am not the last person".

I went on to tell her that she should have said, " Excuse me, who is the last person in the queue?"

The word Terrific is the most confused. I always thought it's something that means to be scared, not until I hear people say "have a terrific day "

When we go hear better thing for this fowlrum

Na so

See me see English oo

If I say my mind now, they'll all attack me with the "English is a Universal Language" line.

If I ask you the Yoruba or igbo word for "peruse" 99.99% will start blabbing.

The list is endless
Check this one one out
Atikulated
The word alone send fear to the spine of APC members and it only mean Atiku the name of PDP presidential candidate

excelAGR42:
Disinterested: The word “disinterested” is another misunderstood word in the English language. While many people believe that the word means that you’re simply not interested, the original meaning of “disinterested” refers to a lack of bias or being fair and impartial: “We needed a disinterested judge to decide this case.” To indicate that you’re indifferent about something, you should use the word “uninterested.”

Not true. While disinterested could apply to objectivity of judgement, it could also mean not interested. Those who use disinterested to mean not interested are NOT wrong.

Great tips but you're not fully right about terrific and disinterested.

It can be used both ways: for something negative and as a compliment. For instance, he is a terrific writer means he is a great writer.

Also, disinterested could mean uninterested.

All the same, you did a great job, OP!

excelAGR42:
The English language can be somewhat confusing at times, especially when you fail to update yourself on the meanings of words regularly.

If you have ever heard someone say, “I was literally scared to death?”, that’s impossible simply because the dead can’t talk. Here are seven more English words you probably have been using wrong.


Disinterested

The word “disinterested” is another misunderstood word in the English language. While many people believe that the word means that you’re simply not interested, the original meaning of “disinterested” refers to a lack of bias or being fair and impartial: “We needed a disinterested judge to decide this case.” To indicate that you’re indifferent about something, you should use the word “uninterested.”


Bemused

People sometimes use the word “bemused” in place of “amused,” but the two words are not synonyms. Bemused means that you’re confused or bewildered.


Literally

The word “literally” is literally one of the most misused words in the English language. This word is often used as a way to emphasize something that happened: “I literally died laughing.”
The word refers to something that actually happened, without exaggeration, such as, “The tornado that came through literally destroyed every house in its path.”


Peruse

A lot of people believe that the word “peruse” means to read something quickly. As a matter of fact, the opposite of this is true. Peruse means to “read with thoroughness or care.” Used correctly, you would say, “I spent at least an hour perusing my notes so that I fully understood it.”


Terrific

This word is one of the words in the English language that has become completely disconnected from its origin. A lot of the time, it is used as a compliment or to describe a good feeling: “That outfit looks terrific!” or “I slept great and feel terrific today!”
However, the origin and proper meaning of the word is completely different, and means “very bad” or “exciting fear”. You might hear something like, “I just saw a terrific accident on my way home from work,” which would unfortunately sound strange in modern language.


Ambivalent

Most people think that the term ambivalent means that you don’t care about something. The word however means that you have contradictory or mixed feelings about a subject matter—not that you’re apathetic.
Used correctly, you could say, “I’m feeling quite ambivalent about where I want to work after graduation this year. I can’t decide whether I should work with a company or start a private business.”


Irregardless

While this word is popular in certain dialects, “irregardless” simply doesn’t exist in the English language. The word that you’re looking for is “regardless.” For example, “Regardless of the cost, they said they’re going to have a society wedding.”

i see, am atikulating, buhari need to learn this english

Beremx:
The word Terrific is the most confused. I always thought it's something that means to be scared, not until I hear people say "have a terrific day "

Terrific also means, extraordinarily great or intense, awesome, brilliant, astounding.

What about Bogus?? It's mostly used 2mean something outta proportion, something too big! when in the actual fact it means something fake, unoriginal.

Lol. OP. Please, don't teach us nonsense.

femi4:
You are wrong about "Terrific". It can be either good or bad feeling

Definition of terrific. 1 : unusually fine : magnificent terrific weather. 2 : extraordinary terrific speed. 3a : exciting or fit to excite fear or awe a terrific thunderstorm. b : very bad : frightful.

see english challenge oo...

Bemused and Peruse are no surprise. Have been using them correctly.

Thanks anyway