By Chinua Asuzu
WHITHER (adverb) versus WITHER (verb): “Whither” means “where” or “to which place.” It’s an archaic adverb to be avoided in modern writing, but you can inject it justifiably once a decade for poetic effect. “Wither” means “to become dry,” “to dry up,” “to shrivel.”
WARY versus WEARY (adjectives): “To be wary of something is to be on one’s guard against it: cautious, watchful, and perhaps worried …. To be weary is to be physically fatigued or, by extension, ‘sick and tired’ of something and ready for it to end.” Garner’s Modern English Usage, 4th ed., 953.
“Interment” versus “internment” (nouns)
“Interment” means burial (especially with accompanying or associated funeral rites, in a grave or tomb).
“Internment” means detention (especially of captured enemy troops in war).
“Debar” versus “disbar” (verbs)
To debar is “to (formally, legally, or officially) exclude, forbid, or preclude (someone) from doing, entering, or having (an activity; something).”
To disbar is “to expel a lawyer from the legal profession.” Etymologically and more specifically, to disbar is “to expel a barrister from the Bar.”
“Tortious”, “tortuous”, “torturous” (adjectives)
“‘Tortious’ means involving a tort. For example, ‘Plaintiffs complained about defendants’ tortious conduct.’
‘Tortuous’ means marked by repeated twists or turns. For example, ‘The court found that the defendant’s tortuous explanation of his whereabouts lacked credibility.’
‘Torturous‘ means causing torture.”
Supreme Court of Ohio, Writing Manual, 2nd ed., 120.
“Temporal” versus “temporary” (adjectives)
“Temporal” means having to do with time or this world; secular, worldly; not eternal; not spiritual; not transcendental; of or relating to earthly life.
Your “lords temporal” are judges (as well as nobles of certain secular rank, typically in English aristocracy).
(Your “lords spiritual” are bishops.)
“Temporary” means for a relatively short or limited duration; not lasting; not permanent; intended to be used for a relatively short or limited duration.
“Suit” versus “suite” (nouns)
Out-of-town lawyers wear suits to file suits, then move to their hotel suites.
A suit means one of several things: (a) a set of clothes (typically including a jacket and either pants or a skirt) of the same color and fabric, designed to be worn together; (b) a proceeding in court; (c) a petition made to a person of superior position, rank, or status; (d) courting, courtship, wooing.
A suite (pronounced ‘sweet’) is a set of rooms, usually in a hotel, apartment block, condominium, or similar facility, used or occupied by one individual or group (typically a family).
