✅  Acknowledge and confess both mean to admit that you’ve done something wrong.

✅  Confess is the best verb for a formal or semi-formal admission of wrongdoing (to confess your sins).

✅  Acknowledge implies reluctance in the statement of wrongdoing or of something previously denied (I acknowledge that my behavior was wrong; She acknowledged that she had broken the cup).

✅  Acknowledge usually suggests fault for things that, while possibly wrong, aren’t criminal (acknowledge a gap in your understanding). Confess can be used for crimes (confess to a robbery), as well as other wrongdoings, faults, or shortcomings that can imply embarrassment (He confessed that he had been eavesdropping).

With the help of Grammar Coach, use acknowledge in a paragraph about a time you were at fault.

✅  Relevant is the best word to describe something directly related or important to a topic under discussion (a relevant addition; relevant to her interests).

✅  Apt is the best word to describe something appropriate to the topic, especially something that cuts to the heart of the issue, or something insightful in its suitability to the occasion (an apt observation; an apt metaphor).

✅  While an apt statement or comment is also usually relevant, apt has a more specific, timely meaning (His reply was particularly apt).

✅  Apt isn’t used as often, and it can sometimes seem formal.

We think you’ll find these synonyms for apt particularly relevant!

✅  Persistent is the best word to describe being resolute, or doing something in a resolute way, and often suggests perseverance in the face of distractions (A persistent desire to help; a persistent salesperson).

✅  Dogged is the best word to use to describe being stubborn and determined, or doing something in a stubborn and focused way, and not being discouraged by setbacks of any kind (She was dogged in her pursuit of justice).

✅  While persistent and dogged describe pretty similar traits, they have slightly different implications. Persistent often describes a focused and determined approach to a task, whereas dogged implies a sometimes overly stubborn, sometimes grim devotion to a task or cause (The reporter was their most dogged critic).

We know we’re persistent—why don’t you look at these dogged synonyms?