The Mail vs. Male Mix-Up

The Difference Between Mail and Male

Imagine you are learning English and come across the words “mail” and “male.” These words look very similar but have different meanings. Let’s explore the difference between them.

History: The word “mail” dates back to Old French and Latin, meaning “a bag” or “a traveling bag.” It eventually evolved to refer to letters and packages sent through postal services. On the other hand, “male” comes from Latin, meaning “masculine” or “manly.”

How to use them: When you talk about sending or receiving letters or packages, you use “mail.” On the contrary, “male” is used to refer to the male gender or characteristics typically associated with men.

Trick to Remember the Difference: To remember, think of “mail” as the things you receive in your mailbox, such as letters and parcels. And “male” is the gender that typically doesn’t receive birth announcements.

Mail Examples:
1. I sent a birthday card to my grandma by mail.
2. Have you checked the mail for any important letters?
3. The package should arrive in the mail by Friday.
4. Please make sure to put the letter in the outgoing mail slot.
5. She received a lovely postcard in the mail from her friend.

Male Examples:
1. He is a male actor who stars in many action movies.
2. The male cat is very playful and friendly.
3. The book’s protagonist is a brave male knight.
4. Is the new student in our class male or female?
5. The male lion protects his pride from other predators.

Summary: Remember, “mail” is for letters and packages, while “male” refers to the masculine gender or characteristics. Keep in mind what you find in your mailbox to recall the difference between the two words.