Master confusing words with ease
Tenderhooks vs. Tenterhooks
Tenderhooks
/ˌtɛndərˈhʊks/Examples:
She waited on tenderhooks for the exam results.The fans sat on tenderhooks during the penalty shootout.He felt on tenderhooks before proposing on stage.
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Antonyms:
Tenterhooks
Examples:
Anticipation left her on tenterhooks for the entire week.Waiting for the test results kept him on tenterhooks all night.She was on tenterhooks wondering if the job offer would come.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Remember that tenderhook is a common misspelling; the correct term is tenterhook.
- Think of tenter as relating to a frame, which aligns with its historical use in the textile industry.
- Associate tenterhooks with being in a state of suspense or anxiety, as it metaphorically implies being stretched or pulled tightly.
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