Challenging Word Pairs

Some words seem close in meaning because they look similar; some seem close because they feel similar. But similar is not same, and each word deserves to retain its own unique flavor. Here are just a few sets of words that are often used incorrectly.
Between/Among
Between describes two items or people; among refers to three or more items or people.
Jesse James told his partner they would split the booty between them, but we all know that there is no honor among thieves.

Complement/Compliment
Complement is a noun and a verb meaning allowing completion or the process of perfecting something.
They received a full complement of serving pieces for their wedding.
That scarf really complements your outfit.

Compliment is a noun or verb that denotes a formal act of praise or congratulation.
The guests sent the gifts with their compliments.
I complimented her scarf.
So don't write complementary hors d'oeuvres will be served unless you have color-coordinated all the food with the room decor.

Compose/Comprise/Constitute
Compose means to form in combination, to create or put together to make up a whole. It is commonly used in both the active and passive voices.
He composed a new symphony.
The state is composed of 15 counties.
She composed the mosaic from hundreds of small stones.
The whole is composed (not comprised) of its parts.

Comprise means to contain, consist of, to include all or embrace. Use it in the active voice, followed by a direct object.
The state comprises 15 counties.
The equipment comprises hundreds of parts.

Constitute in the sense of establish, form or make up, may be the best word if neither compose nor comprise seems to fit.
Fifteen counties constitute the whole state.
A new government was constituted after the junta.
Being HIV-positive does not automatically constitute having AIDS.

Flaunt/Flout
Flaunt means to make an ostentatious or defiant display.
Flout means to scoff or show contempt for authority.
You don’t have to flaunt the fact that you are flouting the law.

Rebut/Refute
Rebut means to contradict, oppose or argue to the contrary, as in a trial or debate.
Refute means that one has succeeded in rebutting or denying an argument, i.e. that one has proven someone wrong.
He tried hard to rebut her arguments, but in the end he was unable to refute her conclusion.

These examples in no way constitute a full complement of easily refuted word choices. However, good writing is composed of choosing among a variety of options. Study these pairs carefully and compliments will be yours.

Some of these definitions are adapted from the AP Style Manual, www.yourdictionary.com, Webster's New World College Dictionary, or The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition. Examples are mine.

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