Vigorish-Vigorous | Commonly Confused Words
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Vigorish vs. Vigorous

Vigorish

An extra charge or interest on a bet or loan, typically by a bookmaker or loan shark

Examples:

The vigorish on the loan was a steep 20%.Bookies often charge a vigorish on winning bets.She negotiated the vigorish down with her lender.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Vigorous

/ˈvɪɡərəs/
Showing strong, energetic, and active characteristics

Examples:

The debate was vigorous and full of compelling points.Her vigorous workout routine amazed the fitness trainer.The rescue dog exhibited vigorous energy during training.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Vigorish refers to a fee or interest, often associated with gambling, whereas vigorous describes a strong, healthy level of activity or force.
  • Remember that vigorous is an adjective and usually describes a person or activity, while vigorish is a noun related to a financial term or gaming context.
  • If youre talking about energy or intensity, vigorous is the word you want. But if youre discussing money or loans, consider vigorish.
  • Think of vigorous with an o for outstanding energy or effort, while vigorish has an i for interest or informal charge.
  • Both words share the root vigor implying strength or effort, but their applications help differentiate them: one is financial, the other physical.
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