False friends: I spy a Gallicism

Over the years, English has assimilated many words from French. While some of these French and English words may still look alike, they often have different meanings. In French, these words are known as faux amis; in English, we call them false cognates. In the following quiz, avoid false friends by choosing the right word to fill the blank.

1. My daughter is an of the Lycée Claudel school based in Ottawa.

ancient

alumna

2. The prime minister will address members of the cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations.

ancient

former

3. The dermatologist recommended that acne-prone teens use a mild soap to help clear .

buttons

pimples

4. The agent must your train ticket before departure.

check

control

5. Rosemma develops skin rashes easily, because she has very skin.

sensible

sensitive

6. As opposed to European streets, residential streets in North America are quite .

large

wide

7. List the tasks you have successfully beneath each objective in your performance review.

accomplished

realized

8. Of course that’s true. You’re stating the .

evidence

obvious

9. Could you please take this box down to the ?

cellar

cave

10. Do you have for a $10 bill?

money

change