Only One Is a Word: A Spelling Quiz

In each of the following pairs, only one is a word; the other is a common misspelling of that word. See if you can identify the correctly spelled word in each set, and then compare your answers to those at the end of the post. You have two minutes--starting now.

1. (a) absorbtion (b) absorption
   The act or process of absorbing something; occupying the full attention or interest.


2. (a) alterior (b) ulterior
   Lying beyond what is evident; deliberately and deceptively concealed.


3. (a) Arctic (b) Artic
   Relating to the North Pole or the region near it.


4. (a) asterick (b) asterisk
   The character * used as a reference mark in printing.


5. (a) basically (b) basicly
   At a basic level or in a basic manner.


6. (a) congradulations (b) congratulations
   Acknowledging someone's achievements or good fortune.


7. (a) definate (b) definite
   Certain, clearly defined, having distinct limits.


8. (a) disasterous (b) disastrous
   Terrible, calamitous.


9. (a) embarass (b) embarrass
   To cause someone to feel self-conscious or ill at ease.


10. (a) epitome (b) epitomy
    A perfect example of a class or type.


11. (a) grievious (b) grievous
    Serious, grave, causing pain or anguish.


12. (a) marshmallow (b) marshmellow
    A sweet white confection.


13. (a) murmer (b) murmur
    A low indistinct sound; an abnormal sound of the heart.


14. (a) parliament (b) parliment
    A legislative body or a formal conference for the discussion of public affairs.


15. (a) perogative (b) prerogative
    A right or privilege held by a person or group.


16. (a) priviledge (b) privilege
    A right or immunity granted as a benefit or favor.


17. (a) sacreligious (b) sacrilegious
    Irreverence toward a hallowed person, place, or thing.


18. (a) tenative (b) tentative
    Not fully worked out or agreed on.


19. (a) tradegy (b) tragedy
    A disastrous event.


20. (a) verbage (b) verbiage
    Wordiness.

Answers

1. (b) absorption
2. (b) ulterior
3. (a) Arctic
4. (b) asterisk
5. (a) basically
6. (b) congratulations
7. (b) definite
8. (b) disastrous
9. (b) embarrass
10. (a) epitome
11. (b) grievous
12. (a) marshmallow
13. (b) murmur
14. (a) parliament
15. (b) prerogative
16. (b) privilege
17. (b) sacrilegious
18. (b) tentative
19. (b) tragedy
20. (b) verbiage

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