Words often Confused / Homophones

Chapter Activity

Rating
New / 5
Reviews
0
Read Sessions
0
Readers
0

CHAPTER

Words Often Confused

& Homophones

প্রায়ই বিভ্রান্তিকর শব্দ এবং সমউচ্চারণের শব্দ

1. Introduction — সংজ্ঞাপরিচিতি

English-এ অনেক শব্দ আছে যেগুলো দেখতে বা শুনতে প্রায় একইরকম কিন্তু অর্থ সম্পূর্ণ আলাদাএই শব্দগুলোকে "Words often Confused" বলা হয়

FORMULA / STRUCTURE

Homophones: একই উচ্চারণ কিন্তু আলাদা বানানঅর্থ e.g. "their / there / they're"

Homographs: একই বানান কিন্তু আলাদা উচ্চারণঅর্থ e.g. "lead (metal) / lead (guide)"

Homonyms: একই বানানউচ্চারণ কিন্তু আলাদা অর্থ e.g. "bank (river) / bank (financial)"

Words often Confused: বানানউচ্চারণে মিল থাকায় অনেকে গুলিয়ে ফেলেন e.g. "affect / effect"

Exam Tip: প্রতিটি শব্দের Part of Speech ও প্রয়োগ আলাদা করে শেখো

Category

বাংলা সংজ্ঞা

উদাহরণ

Homophones

একই উচ্চারণ, আলাদা বানানঅর্থ

to / two / too; there / their / they're

Homographs

একই বানান, আলাদা উচ্চারণঅর্থ

read (present) / read (past); wind (air) / wind (coil)

Homonyms

একই বানানউচ্চারণ, আলাদা অর্থ

bank, light, kind, bear, fair

Near-homophones

প্রায় একই উচ্চারণ, আলাদা অর্থ

accept / except; affect / effect

Words often confused

দেখতে বা শুনতে মিলঅর্থে আলাদা

principal / principle; stationary / stationery

2. Classic Homophones

2.1 their / there / they're

Word & Meaning

Bengali Meaning

Example Sentence

their (Possessive Adj.)

তাদের (অধিকার বোঝায়)

Their house is very large.

there (Adverb/Pronoun)

সেখানে / ওখানে / "there is/are"

She is standing over there. / There is a problem.

they're (They + are)

তারা হচ্ছে / তারা আছে

They're coming to the party tonight.

✘ Wrong Use

✔ Correct Use

Rule

There house is big.

Their house is big.

Possession → their

Put the book their.

Put the book there.

Place → there

Their going to win.

They're going to win.

They are → they're

2.2 to / too / two

Word

Bengali Meaning

Example

to (Preposition/Infinitive)

দিকে, প্রতি / to + V1 = infinitive

She went to school. / I want to learn.

too (Adverb)

অতিরিক্ত / এছাড়াও (also)

It is too hot. / She can sing, too.

two (Number)

দুই (সংখ্যা)

I have two brothers.

2.3 its / it's

Word

Bengali Meaning

Example

its (Possessive Adj.)

ইহার, এর (সর্বনামের অধিকার)

The dog wagged its tail.

it's (it + is / it + has)

এটা হচ্ছে / এটার কাছে

It's raining now. / It's been a long day.

2.4 your / you're

Word

Bengali Meaning

Example

your (Possessive Adj.)

তোমার / আপনার

Is this your pen?

you're (you + are)

তুমি/আপনি হচ্ছো/আছো

You're absolutely right.

2.5 who's / whose

Word

Bengali Meaning

Example

who's (who + is/has)

কে হচ্ছে / কার কাছে

Who's coming tonight? / Who's taken my pen?

whose (Possessive Rel. Pron.)

যার / কার (অধিকার)

Whose idea was this? / The man whose car broke down.

2.6 More Essential Homophones

Pair

Word 1

Meaning 1

Word 2

Meaning 2

hear / here

hear

শোনা (verb)

here

এখানে (adverb)

know / no

know

জানা (verb)

no

না (determiner)

new / knew

new

নতুন (adj)

knew

জানত (V2 of know)

right / write / rite

right

সঠিক/ডান (adj/n)

write

লেখা (verb) / rite = আচার

sea / see

sea

সমুদ্র (noun)

see

দেখা (verb)

son / sun

son

পুত্র (noun)

sun

সূর্য (noun)

hole / whole

hole

গর্ত (noun)

whole

সম্পূর্ণ (adj)

hour / our

hour

ঘণ্টা (noun)

our

আমাদের (pron)

wait / weight

wait

অপেক্ষা করা (verb)

weight

ভার/ওজন (noun)

week / weak

week

সপ্তাহ (noun)

weak

দুর্বল (adj)

meet / meat

meet

দেখা করা (verb)

meat

মাংস (noun)

brake / break

brake

ব্রেক (noun/verb)

break

ভাঙা / বিরতি

flour / flower

flour

আটা (noun)

flower

ফুল (noun)

plain / plane

plain

সমতল/সরল (adj/n)

plane

বিমান / তল

mail / male

mail

ডাক/চিঠি (noun)

male

পুরুষ (adj/n)

tale / tail

tale

গল্প (noun)

tail

লেজ (noun)

sail / sale

sail

পাল/নৌকা চালানো

sale

বিক্রয়

peace / piece

peace

শান্তি (noun)

piece

টুকরো (noun)

fair / fare

fair

ন্যায্য/মেলা

fare

ভাড়া (transport)

bare / bear

bare

খালি/নগ্ন

bear

ভাল্লুক / সহ্য করা

steel / steal

steel

ইস্পাত (noun)

steal

চুরি করা (verb)

cell / sell

cell

কক্ষ/কোষ (noun)

sell

বিক্রি করা (verb)

wood / would

wood

কাঠ (noun)

would

Modal auxiliary verb

whether / weather

whether

কি না (conj)

weather

আবহাওয়া (noun)

prophet / profit

prophet

নবী (noun)

profit

লাভ (noun)

sole / soul

sole

একমাত্র/তলা

soul

আত্মা (noun)

current / currant

current

প্রবাহ/বর্তমান

currant

কিশমিশ (noun)

stair / stare

stair

সিঁড়ি (noun)

stare

একদৃষ্টে তাকানো

pair / pear

pair

জোড়া (noun)

pear

নাশপাতি ফল

board / bored

board

বোর্ড/চড়া (verb)

bored

বিরক্ত (adj)

3. Words Often Confused

3.1 affect / effect

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

affect

Verb

প্রভাবিত করা

Pollution affects our health.

effect

Noun

প্রভাব / ফলাফল

The effect of the medicine was immediate.

effect

Verb (rare)

কার্যকর করা

The manager effected several changes.

✘ TRAP / WARNING

TRAP: "Affect" সাধারণত Verb; "Effect" সাধারণত Noun।

The medicine had an affect on him.

The medicine had an effect on him.

Memory tip: "A" for Action (affect = verb); "E" for End-result (effect = noun)।

3.2 accept / except

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

accept

Verb

গ্রহণ করা

She accepted the job offer.

except

Preposition/Conj.

ব্যতীত, ছাড়া

Everyone passed except him.

except

Verb (rare)

বাদ দেওয়া

Students may be excepted from the rule.

3.3 principal / principle

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

principal

Noun

প্রধান শিক্ষক / মূলধন

The principal addressed the students.

principal

Adjective

প্রধান, মূল

The principal reason is lack of funds.

principle

Noun

নীতি, মূলনীতি, সূত্র

He is a man of strong principles.

★ NOTE

Memory tip: "principAL" — principal is your pAL (friend/boss); "principlE" — a principlE is a rulE

3.4 stationary / stationery

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

stationary

Adjective

স্থির, অচল

The car remained stationary at the signal.

stationery

Noun

কাগজপত্র, লেখার সামগ্রী

She bought stationery from the bookshop.

★ NOTE

Memory tip: "stationEry" has "E" — E for Envelopes and pens (লেখার সামগ্রী); "stationAry" has "A" — A for stAying still।

3.5 compliment / complement

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

compliment

Noun/Verb

প্রশংসা (করা)

She paid him a compliment on his speech.

complement

Noun/Verb

পরিপূরক (করা)

The sauce complements the dish perfectly.

★ NOTE

Memory tip: "complIment" — I like compliments (আমি প্রশংসা ভালোবাসি); "complEment" — complEte করে

3.6 council / counsel

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

council

Noun

পরিষদ, সভা

The city council approved the budget.

counsel

Noun

পরামর্শ / আইনজীবী

She sought legal counsel.

counsel

Verb

পরামর্শ দেওয়া

The doctor counselled the patient.

3.7 eminent / imminent / immanent

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

eminent

Adjective

বিশিষ্ট, খ্যাতিমান

She is an eminent scientist.

imminent

Adjective

আসন্ন, নিকটবর্তী

The storm is imminent.

immanent

Adjective

অন্তর্নিহিত, সহজাত

The immanent qualities of nature.

3.8 discreet / discrete

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

discreet

Adjective

বিচক্ষণ, সতর্ক

Be discreet about the matter.

discrete

Adjective

পৃথক, বিচ্ছিন্ন

The report has three discrete sections.

3.9 illusion / allusion / delusion / elusion

Word

Part of Speech

Bengali Meaning

Example

illusion

Noun

বিভ্রম, মরীচিকা

The oasis was just an illusion.

allusion

Noun

পরোক্ষ উল্লেখ, ইঙ্গিত

His speech contained an allusion to Shakespeare.

delusion

Noun

ভ্রান্ত বিশ্বাস, মোহ

He suffers from delusions of grandeur.

elusion

Noun

এড়ানো, ফাঁকি দেওয়া

The criminal's elusion of the police surprised everyone.

3.10 famous / notorious / infamous

Word

Connotation

Bengali Meaning

Example

famous

Positive

বিখ্যাত (ভালো কারণে)

Tagore is famous for his poetry.

notorious

Negative

কুখ্যাত (খারাপ কারণে)

He is notorious for his dishonesty.

infamous

Negative

কুখ্যাত, জঘন্য

The infamous crime shocked everyone.

4. More Commonly Confused Words — আরো বিভ্রান্তিকর শব্দজোড়া

4.1 Economic Groups: Economical / Economic / Economics

Word

Meaning

Example

economic

অর্থনৈতিক (adj — economics সম্পর্কিত)

The economic policy was revised.

economical

সাশ্রয়ী, মিতব্যয়ী (adj — not wasteful)

She is very economical with money.

economics

অর্থনীতি বিজ্ঞান (noun — subject)

She studies economics at university.

economy

অর্থনীতি / মিতব্যয়িতা (noun)

The country's economy is growing.

4.2 Historic / Historical

Word

Meaning

Example

historic

ঐতিহাসিক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ (likely to be remembered)

The signing was a historic moment.

historical

ইতিহাস সংক্রান্ত (related to history)

This is a historical novel set in 1947.

4.3 Lie / Lay

Word

Meaning

Forms

Example

lie (intrans.)

শোওয়া (নিজে)

lie / lay / lain / lying

She lies down after lunch.

lay (trans.)

শোয়ানো / রাখা (অন্যকে)

lay / laid / laid / laying

She laid the baby on the bed.

4.4 Rise / Raise

Word

Meaning

Forms

Example

rise (intrans.)

ওঠা (নিজে)

rise / rose / risen / rising

The sun rises in the east.

raise (trans.)

তোলা, উত্থাপন করা

raise / raised / raised / raising

She raised her hand to ask a question.

4.5 Sit / Set

Word

Meaning

Forms

Example

sit (intrans.)

বসা (নিজে)

sit / sat / sat / sitting

Please sit down.

set (trans.)

রাখা, নির্ধারণ করা

set / set / set / setting

Set the table for dinner.

4.6 Lend / Borrow

Word

Meaning

Direction

Example

lend

ধার দেওয়া (give temporarily)

Speaker → other person

Can you lend me your pen?

borrow

ধার নেওয়া (receive temporarily)

Other person → Speaker

May I borrow your pen?

4.7 Bring / Take

Word

Meaning

Direction

Example

bring

নিয়ে আসা (towards speaker)

Towards the speaker

Please bring me a glass of water.

take

নিয়ে যাওয়া (away from speaker)

Away from the speaker

Please take this letter to the office.

4.8 Fewer / Less

Word

Meaning

Use with

Example

fewer

কম (countable)

Countable nouns

Fewer students attended the class.

less

কম (uncountable)

Uncountable nouns

She drinks less coffee than before.

✘ TRAP / WARNING

TRAP: "Less" + Countable Noun = ভুল

Less students came.Fewer students came.

4.9 Further / Farther

Word

Meaning

Use

Example

farther

আরো দূরে (physical distance)

Physical/measurable distance

The hospital is farther than the school.

further

আরো অধিক (additional/metaphorical)

Degree / additional

We need further information.

4.10 Assure / Ensure / Insure

Word

Meaning

Example

assure

আশ্বস্ত করা (convince a person)

I assure you everything will be fine.

ensure

নিশ্চিত করা (make certain something happens)

Please ensure the door is locked.

insure

বিমা করা (financial protection)

You must insure your car.

4.11 Imply / Infer

Word

Meaning

Direction

Example

imply

ইঙ্গিত দেওয়া (speaker hints)

Speaker → Listener

His tone implied that he was angry.

infer

অনুমান করা (listener deduces)

Listener draws conclusion

From his tone, I inferred he was angry.

4.12 Oral / Verbal

Word

Meaning

Example

oral

মৌখিক (spoken, by mouth)

She gave an oral presentation.

verbal

ভাষাগত (in words, spoken or written)

We had a verbal agreement.

4.13 Definite / Definitive

Word

Meaning

Example

definite

নির্দিষ্ট, স্পষ্ট

She gave a definite answer.

definitive

চূড়ান্ত, প্রামাণিক (conclusive)

This is the definitive study on the subject.

4.14 Practical / Practicable

Word

Meaning

Example

practical

ব্যবহারিক, কার্যকর (sensible/useful)

She is a very practical person.

practicable

করা সম্ভব (can be done/feasible)

The plan is practicable within budget.

4.15 Childlike / Childish

Word

Meaning

Example

childlike

শিশুসুলভ (positive — innocent)

She has a childlike enthusiasm for learning.

childish

শিশুর মতো (negative — immature)

Don't be so childish about minor issues.

5. Master Reference Table

Word 1

অর্থ / Part of Speech

Word 2

অর্থ / Part of Speech

Key Difference

accept

গ্রহণ করা (verb)

except

ছাড়া, ব্যতীত (prep)

accept = receive; except = excluding

affect

প্রভাবিত করা (verb)

effect

প্রভাব (noun)

affect = action; effect = result

advice

পরামর্শ (noun)

advise

পরামর্শ দেওয়া (verb)

noun vs. verb

aisle

পথ (church/plane)

isle

দ্বীপ (island)

aisle = passage; isle = island

allude

পরোক্ষে বলা

elude

এড়িয়ে যাওয়া

allude = hint; elude = escape

alternate

পর্যায়ক্রমিক

alternative

বিকল্প

alternate = take turns; alternative = other option

altogether

সম্পূর্ণরূপে (adv)

all together

সবাই মিলে

altogether = completely; all together = everyone

amoral

নৈতিকতাবর্জিত

immoral

অনৈতিক

amoral = no morals; immoral = wrong morals

avenge

প্রতিশোধ নেওয়া

revenge

প্রতিশোধ (noun/verb)

avenge = just; revenge = personal

beside

পাশে (prep)

besides

এছাড়াও (adv/prep)

beside = next to; besides = in addition

biannual

বছরে দুইবার

biennial

দুই বছরে একবার

bi = two; annual = year; ennial = 2 years

born

জন্মগ্রহণ করা (V3)

borne

বহন করা (V3 of bear)

born = give birth; borne = carried

brake

ব্রেক (n/v)

break

ভাঙা / বিরতি

brake = stop; break = smash or rest

breach

লঙ্ঘন করা

breech

পিছন (back part)

breach = violation; breech = rear

callous

নির্দয় (adj)

callus

কড়া (skin — noun)

callous = feeling; callus = physical

canvas

ক্যানভাস কাপড়

canvass

মতামত সংগ্রহ করা

canvas = cloth; canvass = survey

capital

রাজধানী / মূলধন

capitol

সংসদ ভবন (US)

capital = city/money; capitol = building

censor

সেন্সর করা

censure

নিন্দা করা

censor = edit/restrict; censure = criticize

chord

সুর সংহতি (music)

cord

রশি, তার

chord = musical; cord = rope/wire

cite

উদ্ধৃত করা

sight

দৃষ্টি

site = স্থান; cite = quote; sight = vision

climactic

চরম মুহূর্তের

climatic

আবহাওয়া সংক্রান্ত

climactic = climax; climatic = climate

coarse

রুক্ষ, মোটা (adj)

course

কোর্স, পথ (noun)

coarse = rough; course = path/class

compose

রচনা করা

comprise

গঠিত হওয়া

The whole comprises parts; parts compose the whole

contemptible

ঘৃণ্য, তুচ্ছ

contemptuous

ঘৃণাকারী, অবজ্ঞাপূর্ণ

contemptible = deserves contempt; contemptuous = shows contempt

continual

বারবার থামতে থামতে

continuous

একটানা, বিরামহীন

continual = repeated; continuous = unbroken

credible

বিশ্বাসযোগ্য

credulous

সহজবিশ্বাসী

credible = believable; credulous = too trusting

currant

কিশমিশ (fruit)

current

প্রবাহ / বর্তমান

currant = fruit; current = flow/present

decided

মনস্থির (adj)

decisive

দৃঢ়নিশ্চয়ী

decided = definite; decisive = able to decide

deduce

যুক্তিতে সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়া

deduct

বাদ দেওয়া

deduce = infer; deduct = subtract

definite

নির্দিষ্ট

definitive

চূড়ান্ত প্রামাণিক

definite = clear; definitive = final

deprecate

অপছন্দ প্রকাশ করা

depreciate

মূল্য হ্রাস পাওয়া

deprecate = disapprove; depreciate = lose value

desert

মরুভূমি / ত্যাগ করা

dessert

মিষ্টান্ন (খাবার)

desert = abandon/sand; dessert = sweet food

disinterested

নিরপেক্ষ (unbiased)

uninterested

অনাগ্রহী (not interested)

disinterested = neutral; uninterested = not interested

distinct

আলাদা, স্বতন্ত্র

distinctive

বৈশিষ্ট্যমূলক

distinct = separate; distinctive = characteristic

economic

অর্থনৈতিক

economical

মিতব্যয়ী

economic = of economy; economical = thrifty

elicit

বের করে আনা

illicit

অবৈধ

elicit = draw out; illicit = illegal

emigrate

বিদেশে চলে যাওয়া

immigrate

বিদেশ থেকে আসা

emigrate = leave; immigrate = arrive

eminent

বিশিষ্ট

imminent

আসন্ন

eminent = famous; imminent = about to happen

empathy

সহমর্মিতা

sympathy

সহানুভূতি

empathy = feel with; sympathy = feel for

envelop

ঘিরে ফেলা (verb)

envelope

খাম (noun)

envelop = surround; envelope = letter cover

enviable

ঈর্ষণীয়

envious

ঈর্ষান্বিত

enviable = worth envying; envious = feeling envy

explicit

স্পষ্ট, বিস্তারিত

implicit

নিহিত, বোঝানো

explicit = stated clearly; implicit = implied

flair

বিশেষ দক্ষতা

flare

জ্বলে ওঠা / সংকেত

flair = talent; flare = burst of light

flaunt

দেখানো, জাহির করা

flout

অবজ্ঞা করা

flaunt = show off; flout = ignore rules

flounder

হোঁচট খাওয়া

founder

ডুবে যাওয়া / প্রতিষ্ঠাতা

flounder = struggle; founder = sink/establish

foreword

ভূমিকা (book)

forward

সামনের দিকে

foreword = preface; forward = direction

formally

আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে

formerly

পূর্বে, আগে

formally = in a formal way; formerly = previously

gibe

ব্যঙ্গ করা

jibe

একমত হওয়া / নৌকার পাল

gibe = taunt; jibe = agree

gorilla

গরিলা (animal)

guerrilla

গেরিলা যোদ্ধা

animal vs. fighter

historic

ইতিহাস-সৃষ্টিকারী

historical

ইতিহাস-সংক্রান্ত

historic = important; historical = about history

horde

ঝাঁক, দল

hoard

মজুত করা / গুপ্তধন

horde = group; hoard = stockpile

humanitarian

মানবদরদী

humane

মানবিক, দয়ালু

humanitarian = person; humane = quality

hyper

অতিরিক্ত (prefix)

hypo

হ্রাস, নিম্ন (prefix)

hyper = over; hypo = under

imply

ইঙ্গিত দেওয়া (speaker)

infer

অনুমান করা (listener)

speaker implies; listener infers

incredible

অবিশ্বাস্য

incredulous

অবিশ্বাসী

incredible = cannot be believed; incredulous = not believing

judicial

বিচার-সংক্রান্ত

judicious

বিচক্ষণ, সুবিবেচক

judicial = of courts; judicious = showing good judgment

later

পরে (time)

latter

পরবর্তী (of two things)

later = time; latter = second of two

lay

শোয়ানো (V2 of lie)

lie

শোওয়া (verb)

lay = past of lie; also transitive verb

loath

অনিচ্ছুক (adj)

loathe

ঘৃণা করা (verb)

loath = reluctant; loathe = hate

luxuriant

ঘন, প্রচুর (lush)

luxurious

বিলাসবহুল

luxuriant = abundant; luxurious = opulent

marital

বৈবাহিক

martial

সামরিক

marital = marriage; martial = military

masterful

কর্তৃত্বপরায়ণ

masterly

দক্ষ, নিপুণ

masterful = domineering; masterly = skilled

militate

বিরুদ্ধে কাজ করা

mitigate

প্রশমিত করা

militate against = work against; mitigate = reduce

moral

নৈতিক (adj) / নৈতিকতা (n)

morale

মনোবল

moral = ethics; morale = spirit/confidence

motive

উদ্দেশ্য, কারণ

motif

নকশার থিম

motive = reason; motif = recurring theme

nauseated

বমিবমি ভাব (feeling sick)

nauseous

বমিভাব সৃষ্টিকারী

nauseated = feeling sick; nauseous = causing sickness

notable

উল্লেখযোগ্য

notorious

কুখ্যাত

notable = worth noting; notorious = famous for bad

observance

পালন করা (rule/custom)

observation

পর্যবেক্ষণ

observance = following; observation = noticing

oral

মৌখিক (spoken)

verbal

ভাষাগত (word-based)

oral = by mouth; verbal = in words (spoken or written)

ordinance

বিধিনিয়ম, অধ্যাদেশ

ordnance

অস্ত্রশস্ত্র, গোলাবারুদ

ordinance = law; ordnance = military weapons

persecute

নির্যাতন করা

prosecute

বিচারে সোপর্দ করা

persecute = oppress; prosecute = take to court

personal

ব্যক্তিগত (adj)

personnel

কর্মীবাহিনী (noun)

personal = private; personnel = staff

perspicacious

তীক্ষ্ণবুদ্ধি

perspicuous

স্পষ্ট, বোধগম্য

perspicacious = shrewd; perspicuous = clear

phenomenon

ঘটনা (singular)

phenomena

ঘটনাসমূহ (plural)

phenomenon = one; phenomena = many

practical

ব্যবহারিক, কার্যকর

practicable

করা সম্ভব, সম্ভাব্য

practical = useful; practicable = feasible

precede

পূর্বে ঘটা, আগে যাওয়া

proceed

এগিয়ে যাওয়া

precede = come before; proceed = go forward

principal

প্রধান (adj/n)

principle

নীতি (noun)

principal = main/head; principle = rule/belief

prodigy

অলৌকিক প্রতিভা

protégé

পোষ্য, শিষ্য

prodigy = gifted person; protégé = mentored person

purposely

ইচ্ছাকৃতভাবে

purposefully

লক্ষ্যনিষ্ঠভাবে

purposely = on purpose; purposefully = with purpose/determination

raise

তোলা (trans. verb)

rise

ওঠা (intrans. verb)

raise = lift something; rise = go up by itself

rational

যুক্তিসংগত

rationale

কারণ, যুক্তি (noun)

rational = adj; rationale = noun (reason given)

rebut

খণ্ডন করা

refute

প্রমাণসহ খণ্ডন

rebut = argue against; refute = prove wrong

recount

বর্ণনা করা / আবার গণনা

re-count

পুনরায় গণনা করা

recount = tell again; re-count = count again

regretful

অনুতাপকারী (adj)

regrettable

দুঃখজনক (adj)

regretful = feeling regret; regrettable = worthy of regret

sensual

ইন্দ্রিয়সুখের

sensuous

ইন্দ্রিয়-সংক্রান্ত (aesthetic)

sensual = physical pleasure; sensuous = aesthetic pleasure

sight

দৃষ্টি (noun)

site

স্থান (noun)

sight/site/cite: vision/place/quote

stationary

স্থির (adj)

stationery

লেখার সামগ্রী (noun)

stationary = not moving; stationery = paper/pens

storey

তলা (building floor)

story

গল্প

storey = floor; story = narrative

straight

সরলরেখায়

strait

প্রণালী (geography)

straight = direct; strait = narrow waterway

tortuous

আঁকাবাঁকা

torturous

যন্ত্রণাদায়ক

tortuous = winding; torturous = causing pain

turbid

ঘোলা (cloudy liquid)

turgid

স্ফীত / অতিরঞ্জিত

turbid = muddy; turgid = swollen/pompous

uninterested

অনাগ্রহী

disinterested

নিরপেক্ষ

uninterested = not interested; disinterested = unbiased

urban

শহুরে (adj)

urbane

মার্জিত, ভদ্র (adj)

urban = city; urbane = sophisticated

venal

ঘুষখোর, দুর্নীতিগ্রস্ত

venial

ক্ষমার যোগ্য

venal = corrupt; venial = pardonable

verbal

ভাষাগত

oral

মৌখিক (by mouth)

verbal = words (spoken or written); oral = spoken only

veracious

সত্যবাদী

voracious

অতিভোজী, লোভী

veracious = truthful; voracious = greedy/huge appetite

waive

মওকুফ করা

wave

তরঙ্গ / হাত নাড়া

waive = give up (right); wave = motion/water

6. Homophone Master List

Word 1

অর্থ

Word 2

অর্থ

Word 3 (if any)

অর্থ

air

বায়ু

heir

উত্তরাধিকারী

aisle

করিডোর

isle

দ্বীপ

I'll

I will

ale

এক ধরনের বিয়ার

ail

অসুস্থ হওয়া

altar

বেদী

alter

পরিবর্তন করা

arc

বৃত্তচাপ

ark

নৌকা (Noah's)

assistance

সাহায্য

assistants

সহকারীগণ

aural

শ্রবণ-সংক্রান্ত

oral

মৌখিক

bail

জামিন

bale

গাঁটরি/আঁটি

ball

বল/নৃত্যসভা

bawl

চিৎকার করা

band

দল/ব্যান্ড

banned

নিষিদ্ধ

base

ভিত্তি

bass

মাছ/নিম্নসুর

beach

সমুদ্র সৈকত

beech

বিচ গাছ

been

থেকেছে (V3)

bean

শিম

berry

ফল (small)

bury

কবর দেওয়া

blew

ফুঁ দিয়েছিল (V2)

blue

নীল রং

board

তক্তা/বোর্ড

bored

বিরক্ত

bough

গাছের ডাল

bow

ধনুক/নমস্কার

buy

কেনা

by

দ্বারা/পাশে

bye

বিদায়

caught

ধরেছিল (V2/V3)

court

আদালত/দরবার

ceiling

ছাদ (inside)

sealing

সিলমোহর করা

cent

সেন্ট (money)

scent

সুগন্ধ

sent

পাঠিয়েছিল (V2)

cereal

শস্যজাত খাদ্য

serial

ধারাবাহিক

cheap

সস্তা

cheep

পাখির ডাক

check

চেক/পরীক্ষা করা

cheque

ব্যাংক চেক

choir

গায়কদল

quire

কাগজের বিশটি পাতা

coarse

রুক্ষ

course

কোর্স/পথ

complement

পরিপূরক

compliment

প্রশংসা

council

পরিষদ

counsel

পরামর্শ

deer

হরিণ

dear

প্রিয়/দামি

die

মরা/ছক্কা

dye

রং করা

dew

শিশির

do

করা

due

প্রাপ্য/কারণে

earn

উপার্জন করা

urn

কলস

eight

আট (8)

ate

খেয়েছিল (V2)

ewe

মেষী (female sheep)

yew

ইউ গাছ

you

তুমি/আপনি

faint

অজ্ঞান/ক্ষীণ

feint

কৌশলী আক্রমণ

feat

কীর্তি, সাফল্য

feet

পা (plural of foot)

find

খুঁজে পাওয়া

fined

জরিমানা করা হয়েছে

flea

মাছি (insect)

flee

পালানো

flew

উড়েছিল (V2)

flue

চিমনি

flu

ইনফ্লুয়েঞ্জা

fore

সামনে/সতর্কবার্তা

for

জন্য

four

চার (4)

foul

নোংরা/ফাউল

fowl

মোরগ/হাঁস (bird)

gait

হাঁটার ধরন

gate

ফটক

gilt

সোনার প্রলেপ

guilt

অপরাধবোধ

groan

আর্তনাদ করা

grown

বেড়েছে (V3)

guise

ছদ্মবেশ

guys

ছেলেরা (informal)

hail

শিলা/অভিনন্দন

hale

সুস্থ

hall

হল/করিডোর

haul

টেনে নেওয়া

hart

পুরুষ হরিণ

heart

হৃদয়

hay

খড়

hey

হেই (exclamation)

heal

সুস্থ হওয়া

heel

গোড়ালি

he'll

he will

hear

শোনা

here

এখানে

heard

শুনেছিল (V2)

herd

পশুর দল

him

তাকে (objective)

hymn

সংগীত/স্তোত্র

hire

ভাড়া করা

higher

উচ্চতর

hoarse

কর্কশ (voice)

horse

ঘোড়া

hole

গর্ত

whole

সম্পূর্ণ

hour

ঘণ্টা

our

আমাদের

idle

অলস

idol

মূর্তি/আদর্শ

in

ভেতরে

inn

সরাইখানা

knight

নাইট (chess/title)

night

রাত

knot

গিঁট

not

না

know

জানা

no

না

lessen

কমানো

lesson

পাঠ

loan

ধার

lone

একাকী

made

তৈরি করেছে (V2)

maid

গৃহকর্মী

mall

বাজার/শপিং সেন্টার

maul

ছিঁড়ে ফেলা

manner

আচরণ/পদ্ধতি

manor

ম্যানর বাড়ি

medal

পদক

meddle

নাক গলানো

meat

মাংস

meet

দেখা করা

mete

পরিমাপ করা

minor

অপ্রাপ্তবয়স্ক/ছোট

miner

খনিশ্রমিক

missed

মিস করেছিল (V2)

mist

কুয়াশা

morning

সকাল

mourning

শোক পালন

muscle

পেশি

mussel

ঝিনুক

naval

নৌবাহিনীর

navel

নাভি

need

প্রয়োজন

knead

মাখা (dough)

none

কেউ না

nun

সন্ন্যাসিনী

oar

দাঁড়

or

অথবা

ore

আকরিক

pail

বালতি

pale

ফ্যাকাশে

pain

যন্ত্রণা

pane

কাঁচের পাত

passed

পেরিয়ে গেছে (V2)

past

অতীত

pause

বিরতি

paws

থাবা (animal feet)

peace

শান্তি

piece

টুকরো

peak

চূড়া

peek

উঁকি দেওয়া

pique

বিরক্তি/রাগ

plain

সমতল/সরল

plane

বিমান/তল

plum

বরই ফল

plumb

সাহল/লম্বায় মাপা

pole

খুঁটি/মেরু

poll

ভোট/জনমত

pray

প্রার্থনা করা

prey

শিকার

principal

প্রধান

principle

নীতি

profit

লাভ

prophet

নবী

queue

সারি/লাইন

cue

ইঙ্গিত/বিলিয়ার্ড লাঠি

rain

বৃষ্টি

reign

রাজত্ব করা

rein

লাগাম

rap

টোকা দেওয়া/র‍্যাপ

wrap

মোড়া

raw

কাঁচা

roar

গর্জন

read

পড়া (present)

reed

নল/বাঁশি

red

লাল

real

বাস্তব

reel

চরকা/হোঁচট খাওয়া

right

সঠিক/ডান

write

লেখা

rite

আচার

road

রাস্তা

rode

চড়েছিল (V2)

rowed

বৈঠা বেয়েছিল

role

ভূমিকা

roll

গড়ানো/রুটি

root

শিকড়

route

পথ

rose

গোলাপ/উঠেছিল

rows

সারি (plural)

sale

বিক্রয়

sail

পাল/নৌকা চালানো

sea

সমুদ্র

see

দেখা

seam

সেলাইয়ের জোড়

seem

মনে হওয়া

shear

কাটছাঁট করা

sheer

একেবারে/পাতলা

sight

দৃষ্টি/দৃশ্য

site

স্থান

cite

উদ্ধৃত করা

slay

হত্যা করা

sleigh

স্লেজ গাড়ি

soar

উপরে উড়া

sore

ক্ষত/বেদনাদায়ক

sole

একমাত্র/পায়ের তলা

soul

আত্মা

some

কিছু/কেউ

sum

যোগফল/সমষ্টি

son

পুত্র

sun

সূর্য

stair

সিঁড়ির ধাপ

stare

একদৃষ্টে তাকানো

stationary

স্থির

stationery

লেখার সামগ্রী

steal

চুরি করা

steel

ইস্পাত

suite

কক্ষসমূহ (hotel)

sweet

মিষ্টি

tail

লেজ

tale

গল্প

team

দল

teem

পরিপূর্ণ হওয়া

their

তাদের (possessive)

there

সেখানে

they're

they are

threw

ছুঁড়েছিল (V2)

through

দিয়ে/মাধ্যমে

throne

সিংহাসন

thrown

ছোড়া হয়েছে (V3)

tide

জোয়ার-ভাটা

tied

বাঁধা (V2/V3)

to

দিকে/to+V1

too

অতিরিক্ত/also

two

দুই (২)

toad

ব্যাঙ (toad)

towed

টেনে নিয়ে গেছে

vale

উপত্যকা

veil

পর্দা/আবরণ

vary

পরিবর্তিত হওয়া

very

খুব, অত্যন্ত

wade

হেঁটে পার হওয়া

weighed

ওজন করা হয়েছিল

waist

কোমর

waste

অপচয়

wait

অপেক্ষা করা

weight

ওজন

war

যুদ্ধ

wore

পরেছিল (V2)

ware

পণ্য

wear

পরা

where

কোথায়

way

পথ/উপায়

weigh

ওজন করা

whey

দুধের তরল অংশ

weak

দুর্বল

week

সপ্তাহ

which

কোনটি

witch

ডাইনি

while

যখন/সময়

wile

কৌশল/ফাঁদ

wood

কাঠ

would

Modal verb

yoke

জোয়াল

yolk

ডিমের কুসুম

your

তোমার/আপনার

you're

you are

yore

অতীতকাল

7. Tricky Pairs

7.1 Continual vs Continuous

Word

Meaning

Example

continual

বারবার থামতে থামতে চলা (with interruptions)

The continual interruptions made it hard to concentrate.

continuous

একটানা, বিরামহীন (without interruption)

The machine makes a continuous noise 24 hours a day.

7.2 Comprise / Compose / Constitute / Include

Word

Meaning

Correct Use

comprise

গঠিত হওয়া (whole comprises parts)

The country comprises seven divisions. (NOT "comprised of")

compose

গঠন করা (parts compose the whole)

Seven divisions compose the country.

constitute

গঠন করা (similar to compose)

Seven divisions constitute the country.

include

অন্তর্ভুক্ত করা (partial list)

The team includes three women. (not all members stated)

✘ TRAP / WARNING

TRAP: "Comprised of" is widely considered WRONG in formal English.

The team is comprised of ten players.

The team comprises ten players.

The team is composed of ten players.

7.3 Emigrate vs Immigrate vs Migrate

Word

Meaning

Preposition

Example

emigrate

দেশ ছেড়ে যাওয়া

from

He emigrated from Bangladesh to Canada.

immigrate

নতুন দেশে আসা

to

He immigrated to Canada.

migrate

স্থানান্তর করা (animals/seasonal)

Birds migrate south in winter.

7.4 Convince vs Persuade

Word

Meaning

Structure

Example

convince

বিশ্বাসে রাজি করানো (change belief)

convince + of / convince + that

He convinced her of his innocence.

persuade

কাজে রাজি করানো (change action)

persuade + to + V1

She persuaded him to attend the meeting.

7.5 Lie / Lay — Complete Forms

Verb

Meaning

V1

V2

V3

V4 (V-ing)

Example

lie

শোওয়া (intrans.)

lie

lay

lain

lying

She lies on the sofa. / She lay down yesterday.

lay

শোয়ানো/রাখা (trans.)

lay

laid

laid

laying

She lays the book. / She laid eggs.

lie

মিথ্যা বলা (intrans.)

lie

lied

lied

lying

He lied about his age.

7.6 Shall vs Will — Classical Usage

Person

Shall (future)

Will (determination/threat)

1st Person (I/We)

I shall go tomorrow. (simple future)

I will succeed no matter what. (determination)

2nd/3rd Person

You shall be rewarded. (promise/command)

He will go tomorrow. (simple future)

★ NOTE

Modern Usage: "Will" is now used with all persons for simple future. "Shall" survives mainly in questions (Shall I help?) and formal writing।

7.7 Fewer / Less / Little / Few

Word

Use with

Meaning

Example

few

Countable noun (negative)

কম (প্রায় নেই)

Few students passed. (very few — negative)

a few

Countable noun (positive)

কিছু (positive)

A few students passed. (some — positive)

little

Uncountable noun (negative)

অল্প (প্রায় নেই)

He has little money. (almost none)

a little

Uncountable noun (positive)

কিছু অল্প (positive)

He has a little money. (some)

fewer

Countable noun (comparison)

কম (তুলনামূলক)

Fewer people came this year.

less

Uncountable noun (comparison)

কম (তুলনামূলক)

Less water was used.

8. MCQ Practice

Q1. Choose the correct word: "The new law will ___ all citizens."

(a) effect

(b) affect

(c) affection

(d) effectuate

Answer: (b) affect

Explanation: "Affect" = verb (প্রভাবিত করা); "effect" = noun (প্রভাব)।

Q2. "The principal ___ is to serve the public." — Choose the correct word.

(a) principal

(b) principle

(c) principel

(d) prinicple

Answer: (b) principle

Explanation: "Principle" = নীতি (noun); "principal" = প্রধান

Q3. Which is correct? "The car is ___; it hasn't moved for hours."

(a) stationary

(b) stationery

(c) stationaery

(d) stationare

Answer: (a) stationary

Explanation: "Stationary" (adj) = স্থির; "stationery" (noun) = লেখার সামগ্রী

Q4. "She received many ___ on her speech." — Choose the correct word.

(a) complements

(b) compliments

(c) complementts

(d) complimints

Answer: (b) compliments

Explanation: "Compliment" = প্রশংসা; "complement" = পরিপূরক

Q5. Choose the correct word: "___ going to the market today."

(a) Their

(b) There

(c) They're

(d) Thier

Answer: (c) They're

Explanation: "They're" = They + are; "their" = তাদের; "there" = সেখানে

Q6. "The ___ of the medicine was felt immediately."

(a) affect

(b) effect

(c) affection

(d) effection

Answer: (b) effect

Explanation: "Effect" = noun (প্রভাব); "affect" = verb।

Q7. Which is correct? "He emigrated ___ Bangladesh."

(a) to

(b) from

(c) in

(d) at

Answer: (b) from

Explanation: "Emigrate FROM" (leave); "immigrate TO" (arrive)।

Q8. "The politician made an ___ to the constitution."

(a) allusion

(b) illusion

(c) delusion

(d) elusion

Answer: (a) allusion

Explanation: "Allusion" = পরোক্ষ উল্লেখ; "illusion" = বিভ্রম

Q9. Choose the correct sentence:

(a) "The team is comprised of ten players."

(b) "The team comprises ten players."

(c) "The team is comprising ten players."

(d) "The team comprises of ten players."

Answer: (b) "The team comprises ten players."

Explanation: "Comprise" does not take "of" — "comprises ten players" is correct।

Q10. "She is an ___ scientist known worldwide."

(a) eminent

(b) imminent

(c) immanent

(d) emanate

Answer: (a) eminent

Explanation: "Eminent" = বিশিষ্ট; "imminent" = আসন্ন

Q11. Which sentence is CORRECT?

(a) "Less students attended this year."

(b) "Fewer students attended this year."

(c) "Lesser students attended this year."

(d) "A little students attended.

Answer: (b) "Fewer students attended this year."

Explanation: "Students" = countable → "fewer" (not "less")।

Q12. "He ___ the book on the shelf carefully."

(a) lied

(b) lay

(c) laid

(d) lain

Answer: (c) laid

Explanation: "Lay" (V2 of "lay" = to place) → laid; "lay" transitive means to place something।

Q13. Choose the correct word: "She ___ her mentor's opinion."

(a) inferred

(b) implied

(c) inferring

(d) implication

Answer: (a) inferred

Explanation: "Infer" = listener deduces; "imply" = speaker hints।

Q14. "The storm is ___; we must prepare now."

(a) eminent

(b) immanent

(c) imminent

(d) emanate

Answer: (c) imminent

Explanation: "Imminent" = আসন্ন (about to happen)।

Q15. Which is the correct homophone pair for "sea"?

(a) see

(b) si

(c) cee

(d) sei

Answer: (a) see

Explanation: "Sea" (সমুদ্র) and "see" (দেখা) are homophones।

Q16. "He is famous ___ his dishonesty." — Choose the correct word.

(a) famous

(b) notorious

(c) eminent

(d) distinguished

Answer: (b) notorious

Explanation: "Notorious" = কুখ্যাত (bad reasons); "famous" = বিখ্যাত (good reasons)।

Q17. Which sentence uses "disinterested" correctly?

(a) "He was disinterested in science." (= not interested)

(b) The judge remained disinterested throughout the trial. (= unbiased)

(c) She became disinterested in the game. (= not interested)

(d) Both a and c are correct.

Answer: (b) The judge remained disinterested throughout the trial. (= unbiased)

Explanation: "Disinterested" = নিরপেক্ষ (unbiased); "uninterested" = অনাগ্রহী

Q18. "Please ___ your car before the long journey."

(a) ensure

(b) assure

(c) insure

(d) reassure

Answer: (c) insure

Explanation: "Insure" = বিমা করা; "ensure" = নিশ্চিত করা; "assure" = আশ্বস্ত করা

Q19. Choose the correct word: "He ___ me that the plan would work."

(a) ensured

(b) insured

(c) assured

(d) confirmed

Answer: (c) assured

Explanation: "Assure" = আশ্বস্ত করা (convince a person); "ensure" = make certain।

Q20. "The bread ___ from the basket." — Correct word:

(a) fell

(b) fall

(c) failed

(d) felt

Answer: (a) fell

Explanation: Simple Past of "fall" = fell।

Q21. Choose the correct spelling for "writing materials":

(a) stationary

(b) stationery

(c) stationarey

(d) stationry

Answer: (b) stationery

Explanation: "Stationery" (noun) = লেখার সামগ্রী

Q22. "The road ___ winding through the mountains." — Correct form:

(a) tortuous

(b) torturous

(c) torcherous

(d) tortueous

Answer: (a) tortuous

Explanation: "Tortuous" = আঁকাবাঁকা; "torturous" = যন্ত্রণাদায়ক

Q23. Which is correct? "She ___ to the committee about budget issues."

(a) alluded

(b) eluded

(c) deluded

(d) illuded

Answer: (a) alluded

Explanation: "Allude" = পরোক্ষে উল্লেখ করা; "elude" = এড়িয়ে যাওয়া

Q24. "The ___ novel is based on actual events." — Choose correctly:

(a) historic

(b) historical

(c) historial

(d) historick

Answer: (b) historical

Explanation: "Historical" = ইতিহাস-সংক্রান্ত; "historic" = historically significant।

Q25. "There are ___ options available." — Choose correctly:

(a) alternate

(b) alternative

(c) alternation

(d) alternately

Answer: (b) alternative

Explanation: "Alternative" = বিকল্প; "alternate" = পর্যায়ক্রমিক

Q26. Which sentence is CORRECT?

(a) "She complemented him on his work."

(b) "She complimented him on his work."

(c) "She complaminted him on his work."

(d) "She complemented with his work."

Answer: (b) "She complimented him on his work."

Explanation: "Compliment" (verb) = প্রশংসা করা

Q27. "The ___ agent collected the rent." — Choose the correct word:

(a) principle

(b) principal

(c) prinicple

(d) principul

Answer: (b) principal

Explanation: "Principal" (noun) = প্রধান/মূল ব্যক্তি

Q28. Which pair are HOMOPHONES?

(a) affect / effect

(b) principle / principal

(c) their / there

(d) advice / advise

Answer: (c) their / there

Explanation: "Their" and "there" sound the same — perfect homophones।

Q29. "She ___ her opponent and won the debate."

(a) refuted

(b) rebutted

(c) rebuffed

(d) refused

Answer: (a) refuted

Explanation: "Refute" = প্রমাণসহ খণ্ডন করা; "rebut" = argue against।

Q30. "He ___ to be guilty by the investigators."

(a) was found

(b) was fined

(c) was founded

(d) was fund

Answer: (a) was found

Explanation: "Was found (to be)" = বিচার করা হয়েছে

Q31. Choose the correct word: "He is very ___ with money — he never wastes."

(a) economic

(b) economical

(c) economics

(d) economy

Answer: (b) economical

Explanation: "Economical" = মিতব্যয়ী; "economic" = অর্থনৈতিক

Q32. Which sentence is INCORRECT?

(a) "She implied that he was wrong."

(b) "From her tone, I inferred he was wrong."

(c) "She inferred that he was wrong." (speaker inferring)

(d) All are correct.

Answer: (c) "She inferred that he was wrong." (speaker inferring)

Explanation: "Infer" is done by the listener, not the speaker — speaker implies।

Q33. Choose the CORRECT sentence about "lie/lay":

(a) "She lied the baby on the bed."

(b) "She laid the baby on the bed."

(c) "She lay the baby on the bed."

(d) "She lain the baby on the bed."

Answer: (b) "She laid the baby on the bed."

Explanation: "Lay" (transitive) = to place; past tense = laid।

Q34. Which word means "not interested" (not involved/not biased)?

(a) uninterested

(b) disinterested

(c) ininterested

(d) misinterested

Answer: (a) uninterested

Explanation: "Uninterested" = not interested; "disinterested" = unbiased/neutral।

Q35. Choose the correct homophone: "She went to the ___ to pray."

(a) alter

(b) altar

(c) altter

(d) altier

Answer: (b) altar

Explanation: "Altar" = বেদী (place of worship); "alter" = পরিবর্তন করা

9. Fill in the Blanks

1. The noise ___ (affect/effect) his concentration greatly.

Answer: affected

ব্যাখ্যা: affect = verb (প্রভাবিত করা)।

2. She is a woman of strong moral ___ (principal/principle).

Answer: principles

ব্যাখ্যা: principle = নীতি (noun)।

3. Please ___ (assure/ensure/insure) the documents are filed correctly.

Answer: ensure

ব্যাখ্যা: ensure = নিশ্চিত করা

4. The car has been ___ (stationary/stationery) for three days.

Answer: stationary

ব্যাখ্যা: stationary = স্থির (adj)।

5. He ___ (emigrated/immigrated) from Pakistan to Bangladesh in 1990.

Answer: immigrated

ব্যাখ্যা: immigrate TO a country (arrive)।

6. ___ (Fewer/Less) time is needed with the new software.

Answer: Less

ব্যাখ্যা: time = uncountable → less।

7. She ___ (implied/inferred) that she was unhappy with the result.

Answer: implied

ব্যাখ্যা: Speaker implies (hints); listener infers।

8. The ___ (principal/principle) cause of failure was lack of preparation.

Answer: principal

ব্যাখ্যা: principal = main/chief (adj)।

9. ___ (Their/There/They're) house is near the school.

Answer: Their

ব্যাখ্যা: possession → their।

10. The city ___ (council/counsel) approved the new park project.

Answer: council

ব্যাখ্যা: council = পরিষদ; counsel = পরামর্শ

11. He is ___ (famous/notorious) for his charitable work.

Answer: famous

ব্যাখ্যা: famous = positive; notorious = negative।

12. Please ___ (complement/compliment) the document with the required annexures.

Answer: complement

ব্যাখ্যা: complement = পরিপূরক করা

13. The company ___ (comprises/is comprised of) five divisions.

Answer: comprises

ব্যাখ্যা: comprise does not take "of"।

14. She was ___ (disinterested/uninterested) in the case — she had no bias.

Answer: disinterested

ব্যাখ্যা: disinterested = unbiased।

15. The signing of the treaty was a ___ (historic/historical) moment.

Answer: historic

ব্যাখ্যা: historic = historically significant event।

16. He ___ (lay/laid) the papers on the desk before leaving.

Answer: laid

ব্যাখ্যা: lay (V1 = place) → laid (V2)।

17. "___ (Its/It's) raining outside — don't forget your umbrella."

Answer: It's

ব্যাখ্যা: It's = It + is।

18. ___ (Fewer/Less) students failed this year than last year.

Answer: Fewer

ব্যাখ্যা: students = countable → fewer।

19. The doctor ___ (advised/adviced) him to rest for two weeks.

Answer: advised

ব্যাখ্যা: advise = verb; advice = noun।

20. She gave him a beautiful ___ (complement/compliment) before the interview.

Answer: compliment

ব্যাখ্যা: compliment = প্রশংসা

21. The drought had a severe ___ (affect/effect) on agriculture.

Answer: effect

ব্যাখ্যা: effect = noun (প্রভাব)।

22. Please sit ___ (beside/besides) me during the meeting.

Answer: beside

ব্যাখ্যা: beside = পাশে; besides = এছাড়াও

23. The patient has been ___ (continually/continuously) monitored for 48 hours.

Answer: continuously

ব্যাখ্যা: continuously = একটানা (without break)।

24. She refused to ___ (accept/except) the bribe.

Answer: accept

ব্যাখ্যা: accept = গ্রহণ করা; except = ছাড়া

25. The flooding had a ___ (discreet/discrete) impact on each of the three regions separately.

Answer: discrete

ব্যাখ্যা: discrete = পৃথক (separate); discreet = বিচক্ষণ

10. Error Detection

নিচের বাক্যগুলোতে confused words বা homophones-এর ভুল ব্যবহার রয়েছে

1. The medicine had no affect on the patient.

Error: affect → effect Correction: The medicine had no effect on the patient.

"Effect" = noun (প্রভাব); "affect" = verb।

2. The principle teacher gave a speech at the assembly.

Error: principle → principal Correction: The principal teacher gave a speech.

"Principal" = প্রধান (adj); "principle" = নীতি

3. She went to the stationary shop to buy envelopes.

Error: stationary → stationery Correction: She went to the stationery shop.

"Stationery" = লেখার সামগ্রী; "stationary" = স্থির

4. He complemented her on her excellent performance.

Error: complemented → complimented Correction: He complimented her on her excellent performance.

"Compliment" = প্রশংসা; "complement" = পরিপূরক

5. Their going to announce the results tomorrow.

Error: Their → They're Correction: They're going to announce the results tomorrow.

"They're" = They + are; "Their" = তাদের

6. She immigrated from France to work abroad.

Error: immigrated from → emigrated from Correction: She emigrated from France to work abroad.

"Emigrate from" = দেশ ছেড়ে যাওয়া

7. The team is comprised of twelve members.

Error: is comprised of → comprises Correction: The team comprises twelve members.

"Comprise" does not take "of"।

8. He alluded the police for three days.

Error: alluded → eluded Correction: He eluded the police for three days.

"Elude" = এড়িয়ে যাওয়া; "allude" = পরোক্ষে উল্লেখ

9. Less students are enrolling in science courses.

Error: Less → Fewer Correction: Fewer students are enrolling.

"Students" = countable → fewer।

10. The judge was uninterested in the case — he had no personal stake.

Error: uninterested → disinterested Correction: The judge was disinterested.

"Disinterested" = নিরপেক্ষ; "uninterested" = অনাগ্রহী

11. She lied the book carefully on the shelf.

Error: lied → laid Correction: She laid the book carefully on the shelf.

"Lay" (to place) V2 = "laid"; "lie" V2 = "lay"।

12. His speech made an illusion to the Prime Minister's earlier promise.

Error: illusion → allusion Correction: His speech made an allusion to the promise.

"Allusion" = পরোক্ষ উল্লেখ; "illusion" = বিভ্রম

13. The historic novel was set in ancient Rome.

Error: historic → historical Correction: The historical novel was set in ancient Rome.

"Historical" = ইতিহাস-সংক্রান্ত (related to history); "historic" = historically significant।

14. Please advice me on the best course of action.

Error: advice → advise Correction: Please advise me on the best course.

"Advise" = verb; "advice" = noun।

15. Its a beautiful morning today.

Error: Its → It's Correction: It's a beautiful morning today.

"It's" = It + is; "its" = এর (possessive)।

16. She inferred from her tone that she was unhappy. (She is the speaker)

Error: inferred → implied (if she is the speaker) Correction: She implied from her tone that she was unhappy.

"Imply" = speaker hints; "infer" = listener deduces।

17. The principle obstacle is lack of funding.

Error: principle → principal Correction: The principal obstacle is lack of funding.

"Principal" (adj) = প্রধান; "principle" (noun) = নীতি

18. He was notorious for his charitable contributions.

Error: notorious → famous Correction: He was famous for his charitable contributions.

"Notorious" = কুখ্যাত (bad); "famous" = বিখ্যাত (good)।

19. The road was very tortuous — it caused immense pain to the travellers.

Error: tortuous → torturous Correction: The journey was torturous.

"Torturous" = যন্ত্রণাদায়ক; "tortuous" = আঁকাবাঁকা

20. She assured that the project would be completed on time.

Error: assured that → ensured that Correction: She ensured that the project would be completed.

"Ensure" = নিশ্চিত করা (event); "assure" = আশ্বস্ত করা (person)।

11. Master Summary, Tips & Traps

✔ EXAM TIP

TIP 1 — affect/effect: "A" for Action (affect = verb); "E" for End-result (effect = noun)। "The drug affected her. / The drug had an effect."

TIP 2 — principal/principle: "principAL" — your pAL is the principal; "principlE" — a principlE is a rulE

TIP 3 — stationary/stationery: "stationEry" has E for Envelopes; "stationAry" — stAying still।

TIP 4 — their/there/they're: "their" = possession; "there" = place; "they're" = they are।

TIP 5 — fewer/less: "Fewer" + Countable nouns; "Less" + Uncountable nouns।

TIP 6 — imply/infer: Speaker implies (hints); Listener infers (deduces)।

TIP 7 — emigrate/immigrate: "Emigrate FROM" (leave); "Immigrate TO" (arrive)।

TIP 8 — comprise: "Comprise" does NOT take "of" — "comprises ten members" (NOT "comprised of")।

TIP 9 — famous/notorious: "Famous" = positive (good deeds); "notorious" = negative (bad deeds)।

TIP 10 — disinterested/uninterested: "Disinterested" = unbiased/neutral; "uninterested" = not interested।

TIP 11 — compliment/complement: "complIment" = praise (I like compliments); "complEment" = complEte

TIP 12 — lie/lay: "Lie" (intrans.) = শোওয়া; "lay" (trans.) = শোয়ানো। Lie-lay-lain; Lay-laid-laid।

✘ TRAP / WARNING

TRAP 1: "The medicine had no affect" → wrong. "effect" (noun) → correct।

TRAP 2: "comprised of" → widely considered wrong. Use "comprises" or "composed of"।

TRAP 3: "Less students" → wrong. "Fewer students" → correct।

TRAP 4: "She inferred (as speaker)" → wrong. Speakers imply, listeners infer।

TRAP 5: "Its raining" → wrong. "It's raining" → correct (It + is)।

TRAP 6: "He complemented her" (wanted to say "praised") → wrong. "complimented" → correct।

TRAP 7: "She immigrated from France" → wrong. "emigrated from France" → correct।

TRAP 8: "notorious for charity" → wrong. "famous for charity" → correct।

Quick Memory Tips — শব্দ মনে রাখার সহজ কৌশল

Word Pair

Memory Trick / Mnemonic

affect (v) / effect (n)

A is for Action (affect); E is for End-result (effect)

principal / principle

princIpAL = your pAL; principlE = a rulE

stationary / stationery

stationEry = Envelopes and pens; stationAry = stAy still

complement / compliment

complEment = complEtes; complIment = I like it

their / there / they're

their = belongs to THEM; there = hERE and tHERE; they're = they ARE

its / it's

it's = it IS (apostrophe = missing letter); its = no apostrophe = possessive

emigrate / immigrate

Emigrate = Exit a country; Immigrate = Enter a country

imply / infer

Speaker implies; listener infers (Speaker → I → implies)

disinterested / uninterested

Dis = neutral judge; Un = bored teenager

fewer / less

Fewer = Fingers (countable); Less = liquid (uncountable)

historic / historical

Historic = will be IN history books; historical = FROM history

allusion / illusion

Allusion = reference; Illusion = magic trick

council / counsel

couNCIL = body of peoplE; couNSEL = advice

continual / continuous

Continual = keeps coming BACK; Continuous = never stops

oral / verbal

Oral = by MOUTH ONLY; Verbal = by WORDS (spoken or written)

Review this chapter

You Can Also Read

Chapters closely related to the one you are reading now.

Most Read by Students

Popular picks getting the strongest student traffic right now.

অসহযোগ আন্দোলন (মার্চ ১৯৭১)

No reviews
1 student
Read chapter

নদী, সেতু, পাহাড়, দ্বীপ, বন, সমুদ্রবন্দর

No reviews
1 student
Read chapter

বাংলা ভাষার রীতি

No reviews
1 student
Read chapter

Others Who Read This Also Read

Behavior-based suggestions from student reading patterns where available.

Best Reviewed

Chapters earning the strongest student feedback.

Course Suggestions

Want a more guided path after this chapter? These courses are the closest fit.

Browse all courses
Learner fit৳1,999

Bangla

Bangla Language Mastery

Popular with BCS learners who want guided study.

6 lessons8.5h4.9 (186)1.3K students

By Sadia Rahman

View course
Learner fit৳2,999

Platform Building

Teacher Marketplace Blueprint

Popular with BCS learners who want guided study.

5 lessons6.8h4.9 (28)410 students

By Sadia Rahman

View course
FreeFree

English

Admission English Playbook

Free guided course with lessons you can jump into anytime.

4 lessons4.2h4.8 (91)2.8K students

By Rayan Akter

View course