Master confusing words with ease
Ferment vs. Foment
Ferment
/fəˈment/Examples:
The idea began to ferment within her mind, leading to a breakthrough.Under the right conditions, grapes begin to ferment into wine.A sense of unrest began to ferment in the community over time.
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Foment
/fəʊˈment/Examples:
The rebels tried to foment discontent among the populace.Speeches aimed to foment interest in the upcoming project.Rampant rumors can foment anxiety in uncertain times.
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Ways to tell them apart:
- Ferment refers to the process of chemical breakdown, often associated with the conversion of sugars to alcohol.
- Foment implies encouraging or instigating something negative, like stirring up trouble or rebellion.
- Ferment can refer to a period of agitation and excitement, similar to its biological process of change.
- Foment is generally used in the context of actions that incite or provoke something, usually unpleasant.
- Think of ferment as something naturally occurring or biochemical, whereas foment is an active attempt to cause change.
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