Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
ABUNDANT / FULSOME
The words abundant and fulsome are both adjectives, and abundant may be considered a synonym for fulsome. However, fulsome tends to have a negative connotation that abundant lacks. Abundant means ample or plentiful while fulsome often means effusive or excessive to the point of exceeding good taste.
CORRECT: Reviewers’ abundant praise brought moviegoers out in droves.
ALSO CORRECT: Reviewers’ fulsome praise may have put off more discretionary moviegoers.
NOTE: All sorts of things may be abundant: wildlife in the jungle; this year’s corn crop; food in the pantry. Reserve fulsome for those times when the negative connotation is appropriate.
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