Understanding the Difference Between Exiguous and Exigent

Understanding the Difference Between Exiguous and Exigent

Exiguous vs. Exigent

Today, we will learn about two big words: exiguous and exigent. These words look alike but have different meanings. Let’s explore them!

History of the Words

Exiguous comes from a Latin word that means “small or scarce.” It’s been used in English for a long time, mostly to talk about something that is very little or not enough.

Exigent also has Latin roots and means “urgent or demanding.” It is used when something needs immediate attention or action.

How to Use the Words

Exiguous is used when talking about something in small amounts. For example, “an exiguous amount of food” means there is very little food.

Exigent is used when something is very important and needs to be dealt with quickly. For example, “an exigent problem” is a problem that must be solved right away.

Trick to Remember the Difference

• Exiguous sounds like “exit goes” — think of something that is leaving, so there is not much left.
• Exigent starts with “ex”, just like “extra”, which can remind you that it needs extra attention quickly.

Example Sentences

Exiguous:

1. The village only had an exiguous water supply.
2. Her paycheck was exiguous and barely enough for rent.
3. The students had an exiguous amount of time to finish the test.
4. There was an exiguous level of interest in the new book.
5. The garden produced an exiguous number of tomatoes this year.

Exigent:

1. The fire was an exigent situation that needed the firefighters immediately.
2. Her health condition became exigent during the night.
3. The CEO called a meeting to discuss an exigent issue with the company.
4. Exigent deadlines required the team to work overtime.
5. The baby’s cry was exigent and needed to be addressed at once.

Summary

Remember, exiguous means something is very small or not enough, like a tiny amount of food. Exigent means something is urgent and demands quick action, like a fire that needs putting out. Keep these differences in mind, and you will use the words correctly!