List of Important Words

1. accommodate - Remember, this word is large enough to accommodate both a double "c" AND a double "m".

2. accumulate - “Accumulate” wanted to accumulate a few more [c]s, but the Letter Rationing Authorities said two was plenty.

3. aficionado - This word comes from the Spanish verb, aficioner, which means “to become fond of.” It was originally applied to bullfighting fans.

4. beginning - Well if it only had one [n], then the [i] would have to say its own name, and then we’d be saying “be guy ning,” which is just silly.

5. calendar - This word has an [e] between two [a]s. The last vowel is [a].

6. colonel - Pronounced just like “kernel,” as in a kernel of corn, this spelling doesn’t make any sense at all. The problem is that the word has been through so many changes, and we’re still using a pronunciation that went with a spelling (coronel) that died 300 years ago. The origin of the word is Italian. A colonnello is a “column of soldiers.”

7. committed - If you are committed to correct spelling, you will remember that this word doubles its final [t] from "commit" to "committed."

8. .

9. deceive - Remember your rhyme rules, now, kids. [I] before [e] except after [c].

10. disappoint - The same goes for “disappoint.” Adding an extra [s] will only disappoint your sixth grade teacher.

11. embarrass (ment) - This one won't embarrass you if you remember it is large enough for a double [r] AND a double [s].

12. ecstasy - In recent years, “ecstasy” has sort of taken a dirty turn. People tend to think of it more and more in conjunction with sex and illegal amphetamines, but “ecstasy” has its roots in religious mysticism and self-transcendence. It comes from the Greek ekstasis, which literally means “standing outside oneself.” There is nothing X-rated or illegal about it, so leave the [x] out of ecstasy.

13. foreign - Here is one of several words that violate the i-before-e rule. (See "believe" above.)

14. fulfill - Look, three...