Easily Confused Adjectives

Some English adjectives are so similar that even native speakers get them confused. When the meanings are also related, it can be very difficult.

For example, whereas something that is "historical" relates to history or the study of past events, "historic" refers to something important or significant in history.

Apart from their historical importance, they have a huge impact on the environment and on the economy.

Captions 7-8, Slow News with Sigrid: A Tale of 2 Rivers
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Her candidacy and nomination was historic.

Caption 42, Barack Obama: On Trump Presidential Victory
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The adjective "classic" is used to describe something that is timeless, exemplary, or of high quality. "Classical" relates to ancient Greek or Roman culture, or traditional forms of art and music.

In the film, we see Queen's lead guitarist, Brian May, [We Will Rock You] showing the rest of the band his idea for the classic anthem, ”We Will Rock You.”

Captions 29-30, Bohemian Rhapsody: Six Facts about the True Story
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So working with someone else, especially a classical musician, I think will be quite hard.

Captions 21-22, Making Tracks: Dewayne Everettsmith & Jasmine Beams musical journey
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"Industrial" relates to industry, factories, or manufacturing, whereas "industrious" means hardworking and diligent.

Industrial, agricultural, and urban waste also sweep into the sea.

Caption 21, National Geographic: How We Can Keep Plastics Out of Our Ocean
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I'm an industrious kind of person. I'm always doing things.

Caption 23, Ask Jimmy Carter: Another Interview with Sharon Stone
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Another pair of adjectives to know is "sensitive" and "sensible."

Their eyes are extremely light-sensitive.

Caption 42, Evolution: Sea Creatures
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That would be the sensible way forward.

Caption 10, Brexit: 'The house has refused to be bounced'
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Further Learning
More adjective pairs to look up are "economic" and "economical," "continuous" and "continual," and "alternate" and "alternative." You will find many of these on Yabla English.