Word Power

This month’s words come in pairs – plus one triplet – that are nearly identical, save one character that has been added, removed, shifted or replaced. Can you tell these look-alikes apart?

1. apprise – A: force open a lock. B: inform. C: honour a promise.

2. appraise – A: evaluate. B: compliment profusely. C: bid on.

3. gaffe – A: camera operator. B: social blunder. C: hunter’s boot made of leather.

4. gaff – A: special favour. B: comedy routine performed by clowns. C: metal hook.

5. inculcate – A: add up. B: instil. C: hit a dead end.

6. inculpate – A: file down to get a smooth finish. B: swallow. C: incriminate.

7. mantel – A: straw wreath. B: handsaw used in logging. C: fireplace shelf.

8. mantle – A: baseball cap.

B: a layer of something that covers a surface. C: flowering tree.

9. factious – A: split into cliques. B: inaccurate or erroneous. C: self-serving.

10. fractious – A: irritable. B: splintered or cracked. C: buried deep.

11. averse – A: unrhymed couplet. B: opposed. C: skilled.

12. adverse – A: unfavourable. B: upside-down. C: commercial or money-oriented.

13. jib – A: bad attitude. B: tomcat. C: triangular sail.

14. jibe – A: agree. B: terrify. C: dance.

15. gibe – A: lend a hand. B: ridicule. C: take a bow.