English can be notoriously challenging, and even those who grew up speaking it often find themselves struggling with certain stubbornly tricky words. Sometimes these words are difficult to define accurately, other times they've been misused so frequently that their original meaning has become obscured. Pronunciation is also a common pitfall. Following up on common confusing words, here are ten of the most difficult words in the English language:
1. Literally
If you know a language enthusiast or purist, be cautious. Misuse of this word is known to cause significant irritation. 'Literally' means, "in a literal sense," or "what I am saying actually happened exactly as described." Therefore, common modern uses like, "I literally died laughing," or "He was so embarrassed his cheeks literally burned up," are technically incorrect.
Interestingly, because of how widespread its non-literal use has become, major dictionaries now include an informal definition for 'literally', acknowledging its use as a tool for extreme emphasis, as seen in the examples above. Just try not to tell the Grammar Police!
2. Ironic
Here is a word that has confounded almost every English speaker—native or otherwise. While irony is often mistaken for simple coincidence or an unfortunate turn of events, that definition does not capture its full, complex meaning. The concept of irony is highly layered, but at its simplest, it is a way to use words to express the opposite of their literal meaning. However, unlike sarcasm (which also does this), irony is not intended to inflict pain.
So, what should you do when faced with such confusion? One option is simply to let it go. Truthfully, irony is not an essential element of everyday conversation, and no one will judge you negatively if you choose not to use the word at all!
3. Irregardless (instead of regardless)
You may hear people use 'irregardless' when they intend to say 'regardless'. 'Regardless' means "without regard" or "despite something" ("He bought the expensive ticket regardless of the cost,"), and it is perfectly acceptable.
However, 'irregardless' is not a synonym! Due to its double negative (the prefix -ir means "not" and the suffix -less means "without"), it strictly means "not without regard," which is the exact opposite of what users usually intend. What a headache!
So remember: while 'irregardless' might be found in some dictionaries, it is listed as a nonstandard or incorrect word. It should be avoided by anyone aiming to speak and write English proficiently.
4. Whom
Who knew such a small word could be so problematic? In formal English, we use 'who' to refer to a sentence’s subject and 'whom' for its object. But how do you know which to use? A handy trick is to try answering your own question with 'him' or 'he'. If 'him' could be the answer, 'whom' is your word. (Notice that both object words end in M.)
For example: “Who/whom are you visiting with?” You would answer “With him,” so **whom** is correct!
5. Colonel
This word (meaning a high rank of officer in the army) is a notorious pronunciation challenge for many learners. Based on the spelling, you might assume it’s pronounced co-lo-nel. However, it is pronounced kernel (like a corn kernel!). The tricky spelling is the result of centuries of word-borrowing and linguistic adjustments between French, Italian, and English.
6. Nonplussed
Feeling a bit nonplussed after that quick linguistic history trip? It's certainly possible. We've arrived at our sixth difficult word, another where a tricky prefix is the culprit. Because the prefix -non means "not," some people incorrectly assume 'nonplussed' means "unfazed" or "uninterested." In reality, 'nonplussed' means "bewildered," "perplexed," or "at a complete loss of what to think or say." Unfortunately, the word is so often used in both ways that, in written English, it is often difficult to determine the writer's intended meaning.
7. Disinterested
Imagine you are in court. What kind of judge would you prefer? A disinterested or an uninterested judge? You should hope for the former! While an uninterested judge would be bored and distracted, a disinterested judge would be impartial, ensuring all sides of your case are heard and ruling objectively. Remember: A disinterested person is not biased and takes no sides, whereas an uninterested person is simply not interested in the first place.
8. Enormity
This one is a big one! It seems straightforward. 'Enormity' is so close to 'enormous' that they must be synonyms. Right? Wrong! 'Enormity' actually means 'extreme evil' or 'monstrous wickedness.' Therefore, the exceptionally common expression “the enormity of the situation…” is technically incorrect, unless you are actually referring to a truly evil or atrocious act.
9. Lieutenant
Another military term that causes confusion! This is a classic example of different pronunciations "across the pond" (between the US and UK). In British English, the word is pronounced leftenant, whereas in the United States, you will hear loo-tenant. Both locations have kept the same challenging spelling—just to keep things interesting!
10. Unabashed
What is that prefix doing on an unfamiliar word like "abash"? While "abash" does exist (it means to embarrass or perplex), it hasn't been widely used for centuries. The negative version, unabashed, is common today and means "not embarrassed" or "bold." So, the next time you are practicing your English, speak with unabashed enthusiasm!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the formal definition of 'literally'?
Formally, 'literally' means that something happened exactly as described, without exaggeration or metaphor. The common modern use for emphasis is considered informal or technically incorrect by language purists.
What is the key difference between 'disinterested' and 'uninterested'?
A disinterested person is impartial or unbiased (a desirable trait in a judge). An uninterested person is simply bored or lacking curiosity about the subject.
Why is 'irregardless' considered a nonstandard word?
'Irregardless' contains a double negative (the prefix -ir and the suffix -less) which makes its literal meaning the opposite of what is intended (which is simply 'regardless'). Although it appears in dictionaries, it is advised against in standard English use.
How is the word 'Colonel' pronounced?
Despite its spelling, the word 'Colonel' is pronounced 'kernel' (like a seed). The unusual spelling is a historical leftover from word-borrowing across different European languages centuries ago.