False friends: Spot the false cognate

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. Yasmina failed the entrance exam last year, but she will try her once again this year.

chance

luck

2. All students must the new school regulations.

respect

comply with

3. I work for an environmentally friendly .

organism

organization

4. Alex was going to meet up with us later in his car.

own

proper

5. That child is driving me crazy. I just can’t him anymore.

support

tolerate

6. Our picnic was cancelled because of rain. What a !

deception

disappointment

7. The man was shabbily dressed and did not look .

fortunate

wealthy