In this lesson, we’ll study the meanings of four words that are often confused due to their similar spellings: “censer,” “censor” (both as a verb and as a noun), “censure,” and “sensor.” Each word has a distinct definition and usage in English.
Censer:
Definition:
”Censer” (noun) is a container typically made of metal, used for burning incense, especially during religious ceremonies.
Examples of Use:
“The church acquired a new gold-plated censer for the upcoming Easter service.”
“During the ceremony, the priest swung the censer, filling the air with fragrant incense.”
Censor (as a Verb):
Definition:
As a verb, ”censor” means to examine and suppress or restrict objectionable material, especially in media or publications.
Examples of Use:
“Do they have a legal right to censor material on the Internet?”
“The government censors closely monitored the content of newspapers during times of political unrest.”
Censor (as a Noun):
Definition:
As a noun, ”censor” refers to a person or official responsible for examining and suppressing objectionable material.
Examples of Use:
“Are the TV censors approving the subject matter for broadcast?”
“The film faced heavy scrutiny from the censors, resulting in several scenes being cut.”
Censure:
Definition:
”Censure” (verb) means to express strong disapproval or criticism, often formally or publicly.
Examples of Use:
“The principal censured the teacher for failing to comply with school policies.”
“The board voted to censure the politician for unethical behavior.”
Sensor:
Definition:
”Sensor” (noun) is a device designed to detect and respond to a signal, stimulus, or change in the environment.
Examples of Use:
“Most cars produced after 1980 have an oxygen ”sensor” to monitor exhaust emissions.”
“The security system is equipped with motion sensors to detect any intrusions.”
In summary, “censer” is a container for burning incense, “censor” (both as a verb and as a noun) involves examining and suppressing objectionable material, “censure” means to strongly criticize, and “sensor” is a device that detects and responds to signals or stimuli. Understanding the differences between these words is crucial for clear communication and accurate usage in English.
