Master confusing words with ease
Ad hoc vs. Ad lib
Ad hoc
/æd ˈhɒk/Examples:
They formed an ad hoc committee to address the urgent issue.The team held an ad hoc meeting to solve the unexpected crisis.His ad hoc decisions often lacked thorough consideration.
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Ad lib
/æd ˈlɪb/Examples:
She chose to ad lib her speech at the wedding.The actor forgot his line but managed to ad lib brilliantly.You can ad lib the recipe by adding different spices.
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Ways to tell them apart:
- Ad hoc is often used to describe actions or committees set up for a specific purpose or situation temporarily.
- Ad lib is used in performance contexts, like music or theater, indicating improvisation or spontaneous actions.
- Remember that hoc in ad hoc suggests a specific function or need is at play, while lib in ad lib highlights freedom and liberty in performance.
- Think of ad hoc like a tool assembled specifically for one task, while ad lib is akin to a jazz musician improvising.
- Ad hoc has a more formal and structured connotation, while ad lib implies a more creative and impromptu approach.
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