Master confusing words with ease
Bough vs. Bow
Bough
/baʊ/Examples:
The bough of the willow dipped gracefully into the stream.Spring blossoms adorned every bough of the ancient apple tree.An owl perched silently on the highest bough, surveying the night.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Bow
/baʊ/Examples:
Everyone bowed low to each other.'Good morning, ladies,' I said, bowing politely.He bows his head.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
This word has no antonymsWays to tell them apart:
- Bough refers to a branch of a tree; think of climbing up the bough of a tree.
- Bow has multiple meanings, including a type of knot or a gesture; you can bow at the waist as a form of greeting or tie a bow with ribbon.
- To distinguish them, remember bough is associated with trees, while bow can have different contexts like shooting an arrow or showing respect.
- Bough rhymes with cow, which can help you remember its pronunciation is unlike bow.
- Visualize a strong bough supporting many leaves, whereas a bow could be an act of bending forward or a shape you see on a gift.
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