Awe, Oar, Or, and Ore

Awe, Oar, Or, and Ore

What are the differences between "awe," "oar," "or," and "ore"?
  • "Awe" means astonishment. For example:
    • The crowd were in awe of your performance. correct tick
    • (The word "awe" often appears in the phrase "in awe.")
  • "Or" is a conjunction used to offer an alternative. For example:
    • Would you like tea or coffee? correct tick
  • "Oar" is a tool used to propel a boat through water. For example:
    • Pull harder on the right oar. correct tick
  • "Ore" is a mineral from which metal can be extracted. For example:
    • Copper ore is mine in Afghanistan. correct tick
awe, oar, or, and oar

Awe, Or, Oar, and Ore

"Awe," "or," "oar," and "ore" sound similar, but their meanings are very different.

Awe

The noun "awe" means wonderment, astonishment, or dread. (The word "awe" can also be used as a verb.)

Examples:
  • The employee was stuck with awe when his boss fired him. correct tick
  • He was filled with awe after seeing the breath-taking views of the Grand Canyon. correct tick
  • The students were awed by their new professor. correct tick
  • (This is an example of "awe" being used as a verb.)

Or

The conjunction "or" is used to offer an alternative or a replacement.

Examples:
  • Would you like cake or ice cream? correct tick
  • Complete your homework on time, or you'll fail the class. correct tick

Oar

The noun "oar" is a tool used to move a boat through water.

Examples:
  • Most Viking ships were powered by oars. correct tick
  • Warships had several oarsmen per oar because they were so long. correct tick

Ore

The noun "ore" is used to describe a mineral from which metal can be extracted.

Examples:
  • In 2005, China was the top importer of ores and metals ahead of the USA and Japan. correct tick
  • It is only worth extracting the ore if the metal is in a high enough concentration. correct tick

Remembering "Awe"

The word "awe" is the root of the word "awesome."
Remembering "Oar"

The word "oar" has the same vowels as the word "boat."
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This page was written by Craig Shrives.