Versus

“Persecute” vs. “Prosecute”

Verbs, Versus

Most people do not confuse these two verbs, but their similarity deserves a blog post.

Problem:
These two verbs are spelled so similarly that there definitely is potential to treat them as synonyms, which they are not.

Explanation:
This verb “persecute” dates back to the first half of the fifteenth century.

“Persecute” begins with the prefix “per”, which means utterly or thoroughly.

The other part of “persecute” is related to the word “sequence”, a definition of which is something that follows.

Knowing these roots, it is easy to understand how the verb “persecute” means to pursue persistently with oppressive or harassing treatment.

The verb “prosecute” dates back to 1432 but apparently did not get applied as a legal term until 1579.

“Prosecute” begins with the prefix “pro”, which in this verb means favor for some party.

As with “persecute”, the other part of “persecute” is related to the word “sequence”, a definition of which is something that follows.

Knowing these roots, one can understand how the verb “prosecute” means to seek to enforce or carry on.

Solution:
Think harassment when you see the verb “persecute”; think legal proceeding when you see the verb “prosecute”.

“inverse” vs. “converse”

Adjectives, Adverbs, Versus

I heard someone say “inversely” yesterday to introduce a contrary opinion to what he first stated.

Problem:
The adverbs “inversely” and “conversely” are not synonyms, just as the adjectives “inverse” and “converse” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
When I heard someone yesterday state one opinion and then introduce an opposing opinion with the adverb “inversely”, I thought that it sounded odd.

I was expecting him to say “conversely” instead of “inversely”, so I decided to learn more about the adjectives “inverse” and “converse”.

This adjective “inverse” dates back to around 1610 from a Latin verb that means to turn inside out or upside down.

So an example of valid use of the adjective “inverse” is “The inverse form of the fraction 3/4 is the fraction 4/3.”

The adjective “converse” dates back to the second half of the 1300s from a Latin verb that means to turn around.

So an example of a valid use of the adjective “converse” is “The converse perspective to ‘The glass is half-full.’ is ‘The glass is half-empty.'”

It may help to look at the words “inverse” and “converse” when they are used as nouns in mathematics.

Given the statement “if p, then q”:

  • “if not p, then not q” is the inverse;
  • “if q, then p” is the converse.

Notice how the inverse “turns inside out” the original statement and how the converse “turns around” the original statement.

Solution:
Use the adjective “inverse” to label something that is upside down or inside out. Use the adjective “converse” to label something that is contrary or turned around.

“Baluster” vs. “Balustrade” vs. “Banister”

Nouns, Versus

I sometimes hear these nouns used interchangeably.

Problem:
These nouns are not all synonyms.

Explanation:
A “baluster” is a moulded shaft that most often supports the handrail of a staircase but also can be used to support the coping of a parapet, which is a wall-like barrier often at the edge of a roof.

The noun “baluster” comes from the Italian word — balaustra — for a pomegranate flower because the traditional shape of a baluster resembles the half-open pomegranate flower.

Balusters often are made of stone or wood and are sometimes made of metal.

A “balustrade” is a sequence of balusters that support a handrail.

A “banister” — also spelled with two “n”s — is another name for a staircase baluster, but many architects and interior designers prefer to reserve the word “banister” for a narrower, more-modern support.

Now here is where it becomes more confusing.

Many Americans — I cannot speak for other countries — also use the word “banister” to refer to the handrail of a staircase.

Solution:

  • Use “baluster” to refer to a pomegranate-flower-shaped support of a staircase handrail.
  • Use “balustrade” to refer to a sequence of balusters.
  • Use “banister” to refer to a non-pomegranate-flower support of a staircase handrail.
  • Be aware that some use “banister” also to refer to the staircase handrail itself.