9 Words You’ve Been Using Wrong — Get the Facts

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We’ve all been there. You’re confidently dropping a word in conversation, feeling like a vocabulary rockstar, only to later discover that it doesn’t mean what you thought it did. Oops. The English language is a bit of a trickster that way, with words that love to play hide-and-seek with their true meanings. Some words sound like they should mean one thing but actually mean something entirely different—or even the opposite!

So before you find yourself “nonplussed” by your own word choices, let’s dive into some of the weirdest words that have been quietly deceiving us all along. Prepare to have your mind enervated (don’t worry, we’ll explain that one later).

1. Enormity

What You Might Think It Means: Something enormous in size.

What It Actually Means: Great wickedness or an extreme evil act.

“Enormity” sounds like it should be the go-to word for describing something gargantuan—maybe that enormous pile of laundry threatening to take over your bedroom. But don’t be fooled! The word “enormity” isn’t about size at all; it’s about moral scale. When you’re talking about an “enormity,” you’re referring to something evil, like a heinous crime or an unspeakable atrocity.

The confusion likely comes from the root word “enormous,” which refers to something large. But “enormity” took a sharp turn somewhere in history and decided to focus on the moral implications instead. So, while it might be tempting to describe your last Monday as an “enormity,” it’s probably best to save this word for the next time you’re discussing the villain in a spy movie or a historical event that left humanity shaking its collective head.

In short, unless you’re discussing something truly horrifying, it’s better to stick with “enormous” when talking about big things. “Enormity” isn’t about size—it’s about the kind of evil that would make even Darth Vader think twice.

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2. Inflammable

What You Might Think It Means: Not capable of catching fire.

What It Actually Means: Easily set on fire.

Here’s a word that’s been playing mind games with English speakers for ages. “Inflammable” might look like it should mean the opposite of “flammable”—after all, we’re used to the prefix “in-” meaning “not” (like in “invisible” or “indestructible”). But in the case of “inflammable,” the prefix is a false friend. Both “flammable” and “inflammable” mean exactly the same thing: easily set on fire.

The reason for this linguistic trickery lies in the history of the word. “Inflammable” comes from the Latin inflammare, which means “to set fire to,” where “in-” is not a negation but rather an intensifier. So, when you see something labeled as “inflammable,” it’s not just burnable—it’s very burnable.

In fact, the confusion around this word has been so widespread that some safety organizations have started using only “flammable” on warning labels to avoid the mix-up. After all, no one wants to be the person who mistakenly tosses a match near something “inflammable” thinking it’s safe.

So next time you see “inflammable,” remember that it’s a fiery word in disguise. It’s a sneaky reminder that language can be as unpredictable as the flames this word warns you about!

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3. Nonplussed

What You Might Think It Means: Unfazed or unimpressed.

What It Actually Means: Confused, bewildered, or unsure how to react.

“Nonplussed” is a word that’s often misunderstood, leading to some pretty nonplussing (read: confusing) conversation situations. You might think it describes someone who’s cool, calm, and completely unbothered by whatever’s happening around them. But in reality, “nonplussed” is used to describe someone who is utterly baffled—so much so that they’re unsure how to respond.

The word comes from the Latin non plus, meaning “no more” or “no further.” If you’re nonplussed, you’re at a loss for words or actions, like a deer caught in the headlights or someone who just heard the most unexpected plot twist ever.

For example, if you tell a friend that you’ve decided to move to Antarctica to start a penguin circus, you’d expect them to be “nonplussed”—as in, completely bewildered by your bizarre announcement. But if they’re nonplussed in the modern (and incorrect) sense, they might just nod and say, “Cool,” which would be anything but the appropriate reaction to your wild plan.

The confusion around “nonplussed” has become so common that in some regions, it’s started to take on its incorrect meaning of “unfazed.” However, if you want to keep things correct and impress your word-nerd friends, remember that “nonplussed” is all about being perplexed, not indifferent. So next time you hear something that leaves you totally stunned, feel free to say you’re nonplussed—just make sure you’re truly bewildered!

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4. Peruse

What You Might Think It Means: To skim through something quickly.

What It Actually Means: To read something thoroughly and carefully.

“Peruse” is one of those words that sounds like it should mean the exact opposite of what it actually does. Many people use “peruse” when talking about giving something a quick once-over, like flipping through a magazine in the waiting room or glancing at the menu before ordering your usual. But here’s the twist: “peruse” actually means to examine something in great detail and with careful attention.

The word comes from the Middle English perusen, which itself comes from the prefix “per-” (meaning thoroughly) and “use,” which here meant to examine. So when you’re “perusing” something, you’re not just skimming—you’re diving deep into it, studying every detail.

Imagine you’re handed a contract and told to peruse it before signing. If you just glance at it quickly, you might miss the fine print that says your soul now belongs to the coffee machine in the break room. The correct approach to “perusing” would be to read each clause carefully, making sure you fully understand what you’re getting into.

So, the next time you tell someone you’ll “peruse” their document, be prepared to give it your full, undivided attention. Otherwise, you might just end up reading a recipe instead of the lease agreement you thought you were looking at. Remember, “peruse” isn’t about breezing through—it’s about taking your time and really getting into the nitty-gritty.

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5. Factoid

What You Might Think It Means: A small piece of true information.

What It Actually Means: Something often repeated as fact but is actually false or trivial.

“Factoid” is a word that seems straightforward—after all, it’s got “fact” right there in the name. You might think it refers to a little nugget of truth, a bite-sized piece of factual information. But here’s the catch: “factoid” was originally coined to describe something that looks like a fact, sounds like a fact, but isn’t actually true. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

The word “factoid” was first used by author Norman Mailer in 1973 to describe facts that had no existence before appearing in print, but which people then accepted as true. Essentially, a “factoid” is something that’s been repeated so often that it gains a false legitimacy—like the idea that humans only use 10% of their brains or that sugar makes kids hyperactive.

Over time, the meaning of “factoid” has broadened in everyday use, often being used to refer to small, interesting facts. But the original meaning is more about debunking than informing. When you hear a “factoid,” you should approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism, because it might be more fiction than fact.

So, next time someone throws out a “factoid” at a dinner party, take a moment to consider whether it’s really true or just a well-worn myth. After all, not everything that glitters is gold—and not every factoid is a fact.

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6. Bemused

What You Might Think It Means: Amused or entertained.

What It Actually Means: Confused or puzzled.

“Bemused” is a word that frequently trips people up because it sounds so much like “amused.” You might think it’s a fancier way to say that something has tickled your funny bone, maybe in a slightly wry or ironic way. But if you’re feeling “bemused,” you’re not chuckling—you’re scratching your head, trying to figure out what on earth is going on.

The word “bemused” comes from “muse,” which historically means to be absorbed in thought, often in a somewhat confused or perplexed way. When you’re “bemused,” you’re lost in a fog of bewilderment, not sure what to make of the situation at hand. It’s the mental equivalent of walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there, or hearing a convoluted explanation that leaves you more confused than enlightened.

For example, imagine watching a surrealist film where the plot makes no sense, and you leave the theater not entirely sure what you just saw. In this case, you’d be “bemused,” not because the film was entertaining, but because it left you scratching your head in confusion.

So, the next time you hear a bizarre story or encounter a puzzling situation, you might find yourself bemused. Just remember, there’s no amusement involved—only a good old-fashioned case of “what just happened?”

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7. Disinterested

What You Might Think It Means: Uninterested or bored.

What It Actually Means: Impartial or unbiased.

“Disinterested” is often mistaken for “uninterested,” but these two words couldn’t be more different in meaning. If you think “disinterested” describes someone who’s bored or couldn’t care less, you’re in good company—but also mistaken. In reality, “disinterested” means someone who has no personal stake in the outcome of a situation, making them impartial and unbiased.

The confusion likely arises because “uninterested” does mean lacking interest or enthusiasm. However, when someone is “disinterested,” they’re neutral and objective, able to make a fair judgment without being swayed by personal feelings or desires. This is a good quality in a judge or a mediator, where being disinterested means they can look at the facts without letting personal preferences get in the way.

For instance, if you’re selecting a referee for a sports match, you’d want someone “disinterested,” meaning they have no favorite team and will call the game fairly. If that referee were “uninterested,” though, they might not care about the match at all, which could lead to them doing a poor job.

So, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to be fair and unbiased, strive to be “disinterested.” But if you’re just plain bored, “uninterested” is the word you’re looking for. Just make sure not to mix them up—because in certain contexts, getting this one wrong could mean the difference between fair judgment and complete indifference!

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8. Enervate

What You Might Think It Means: To energize or invigorate.

What It Actually Means: To weaken or drain of energy.

“Enervate” is one of those words that sounds like it should be full of vitality and pep. After all, it kind of looks like “energize” and might seem like a fancy way to say “give a boost.” But here’s the twist: “enervate” actually means the exact opposite. To enervate something or someone is to sap their strength, leaving them feeling weak and depleted.

The word “enervate” comes from the Latin enervare, meaning “to weaken” by literally “taking out the nerves.” So, when you enervate something, you’re not giving it a shot of espresso—you’re pulling the plug and letting all the energy drain away.

For example, if you’ve just finished a marathon and you’re feeling completely wiped out, you’re enervated. Or, if a long day of meetings has left you utterly exhausted, you could say the experience was enervating. It’s a word that perfectly captures that feeling of being so drained that all you want to do is collapse on the nearest couch.

So, next time you’re tempted to use “enervate” to describe something invigorating, remember that it’s really all about depletion and exhaustion. If you’re looking to describe something that energizes, try “invigorate” instead—because “enervate” will leave you lying down instead of jumping up.

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9. Noisome

What You Might Think It Means: Loud or noisy.

What It Actually Means: Harmful, offensive, or having a bad smell.

“Noisome” is a word that seems like it should have something to do with sound, especially since it looks and sounds so much like “noisy.” But in reality, “noisome” has nothing to do with noise at all. Instead, it describes something that’s offensive, harmful, or most commonly, something that has a foul smell.

The confusion likely comes from the similarity to “noisy,” but “noisome” actually comes from an old English word, noysome, which means “annoying” or “harmful.” Over time, the meaning narrowed, and today “noisome” is most often used to describe things that are unpleasant to the senses, especially when it comes to smell. Imagine a garbage dump on a hot day, or a skunk’s spray—those are perfect examples of things that are noisome.

For example, if you walk into a room that has a “noisome” odor, you’re going to want to turn around and leave as quickly as possible. It’s the kind of smell that assaults your nostrils and makes you wish you had brought a clothespin for your nose.

So, if you’re ever tempted to use “noisome” to describe a loud neighbor or a raucous party, think again. It’s better reserved for those truly unpleasant, often stinky, situations where “offensive” is the key word—just make sure to have some fresh air nearby!

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