Grammar Moses: Twelve word choices with which to stuff your stocking

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me

An unabridged dictionary.

I could test your patience and my rhyming skills by attempting to run out the string on that, but instead, in the spirit of the season, I'll give you 12 bite-size nuggets with which to stuff your stocking.

1

Instantly or instantaneously?

"Instantly" means at once. "Instantaneously" means with no perceptible delay.

2

Valuable or invaluable?

Something that is valuable has worth; something that is invaluable has worth beyond measure. The in- prefix in this case is an intensifier.

3

Formal or informal?

In this case, the in- prefix is a negative rather than an intensifier. Basically, this means the two words are opposites.

4

In spite of or despite?

Whatever you like. They're synonymous. But "despite" is shorter, so I prefer it.

5

Immigrate or emigrate?

This depends on your perspective, much like "bring" and "take." Whether you are talking about leaving or entering a country is what dictates word choice. Grammar Girl, a good grammar resource on the web, has a terrific alliterative mnemonic: to emigrate is to exit; to immigrate is to come in to a country.

6

Elicit or illicit?

Different meanings, different parts of speech. The verb "elicit" means to bring out. The adjective "illicit" means illegal.

7

Idle, idol or idyll?

They're all pronounced the same. A common definition of "idle" is to be inactive. An "idol" is something that is worthy of worship. An "idyll" is a simple descriptive poem that deals with rustic life or pastoral scenes. (Probably not the word you were looking for.)

8

Idealogy or ideology?

Trick question. "Idealogy" is a common misspelling, stemming, I assume, from the notion that it's about ideas. An "ideology" is a set of beliefs.

9

Sarcastic or ironic?

First, counter to what Alanis Morrisette sings, it is not "ironic" for a black fly to land in your chardonnay. That's just "unfortunate" or "gross." One exhibits "irony" by saying something but meaning the opposite. After getting stuck on the roadside with a flat tire, you might ironically say, "Gee, this is great. I wish it would start raining." One exhibits sarcasm when saying to the woman with the all-pink glittery sweatshirt and matching sweatpants: "That's a beautiful outfit. Where can I get one?" Sarcasm is irony + the intention to insult or harm.

10

Axel or axle?

You'll find an "axle" between your wheels and an "axel" in a skater's repertoire.

11

Award or reward?

A plaque or trophy is an "award" - a prize for doing something meritorious. A "reward" is compensation.

12

Reluctant/reticent

One is "reluctant" to do something. One who is "reticent" is reluctant to talk.

Happy holidays and

write carefully!

• Jim Baumann is assistant vice president/managing editor of the Daily Herald. Write him at jbaumann@dailyherald.com. Put Grammar Moses in the subject line. You also can friend or follow Jim at facebook.com/baumannjim.