Master confusing words with ease
Flotsam vs. Jetsam
Flotsam
/ˈflɒtsəm/Examples:
Flotsam from the shipwreck washed ashore overnight.The travelers stumbled upon flotsam on the remote beach.After the storm, the bay was littered with flotsam and jetsam.
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Antonyms:
Jetsam
Examples:
A tide brought the jetsam onto the sandy shore.Birds circled above the colorful jetsam in the bay.Local artisans repurposed beach jetsam into art pieces.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Jetsam refers to items that are thrown overboard deliberately, usually to lighten the vessel.
- Flotsam is debris that was not intentionally thrown overboard and floats because of a ship sinking.
- Both terms are related to maritime contexts and often appear together, but have distinct origins.
- Jetsam can imply a choice or action taken, while flotsam occurs due to accident or mishap.
- Remember: Jetsam is jettisoned or intentionally thrown, Flotsam is floating from accidents.
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