Versus

“Scull” vs. “Skull”

Misspellings, Nouns, Verbs, Versus

I saw the first word repeatedly while watching telecasts of the 2008 Olympics.

Problem:
Because these two words are homophones, context is required to distinguish them in speech.

Explanation:
A “scull” — spelled S-C-U-L-L — as a noun is an oar, often with a cupped blade, and often mounted on a fulcrum at a small boat’s stern.

It is this S-C word that repeatedly was spoken and displayed in the TV coverage of the 2008 Olympics.

A “skull” — spelled S-K-U-L-L — as a noun is the bones that make up the head of an animal.

Each of these words can also be used as a verb.

The word “scull” — spelled with a “c” — as a verb means to propel by means of one or more sculls.

The word “skull” — spelled with a “k” — as a verb means to strike a blow to the head.

Although some lexicographers believe that both words come from the French word “escuelle”, which means dish, many others believe that “scull” — with a “c” — comes from the Middle English word “sculle” and that “skull” — with a “k” — comes from the Old Norse word “skalli”, which means bald head and also is spelled with a “k”.

Solution:
Think “rowing oar” when you see “scull” with a “c” or when the spoken context implies a reference to rowing. Think “head” when you see “skull” with a “k” or when the spoken context implies a reference to the head.

“Number” vs. “Numeral”

Common English Blunders, Nouns, Versus

I was thinking recently about these two words.

Problem:
Some people use these two nouns interchangeably, but they are not synonyms.

Explanation:
As noted at Wikipedia, “A number is an abstract object, tokens of which are symbols used in counting and measuring.”

In contrast, a “numeral” is a symbol used to represent a number.

There are many different numeral systems. For example, the Roman numeral for five is “V”. The Hindu-Arabic numerals are the ten digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

Solution:
Use “numeral” to refer to the symbol; use “number” otherwise.

“Simular” vs. “Similar”

Adjectives, Mispronunciations, Misspellings, Verbs, Versus

My wife heard the first word used several times yesterday as a synonym of the second word, and I once worked for someone who regularly made the same mistake.

Problem:
These two words are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The word “simular” — spelled S-I-M-U-L-A-R — dates back to the early 1500s.

The meaning of “simular” as a noun is pretender. The primary meaning of “simular” as an adjective is simulated or counterfeit.

A valid example of the use of “simular” as an adjective would be “Pleather is simular leather.”

The word “similar” — spelled S-I-M-I-L-A-R — dates back to the early 1600s, is only an adjective, and primarily means having a resemblance or likeness.

A valid example of the use of “similar” as an adjective would be “The two automobiles in the parking lot were so similar that John tried to unlock the wrong one.”

I believe that some people mispronounce and/or misspell the adjective “similar” — spelled S-I-M-I-L-A-R — as “simular” — spelled S-I-M-U-L-A-R — because of interference from the verb “simulate”, which does have the vowel “u” in the middle of it.

I doubt that most users of “simular” — with a “u” in the middle — know its true meaning.

Solution:
Use the adjective “simular” when referring to something that is false or simulated or counterfeit. Use the adjective “similar” when referring to a likeness or resemblance.