Page:A Desk-Book of Errors in English.djvu/198

 taken, i. e., the identical thing prescribed. The two words have thus come to acquire the same meaning, though, strictly, the doctor gives the recipe (thing to be taken) or formula, and the patient acknowledges the receipt (of the thing given).

reciprocal. Compare.

recollect is not the same as remember. You only recollect after making the effort to do so; you remember because you have never forgotten, therefore without effort. You remember the rent is due, but recollect the date of your friend's birth.

recommend: As a noun used instead of recommendation, this word is a colloquialism the use of which should be discouraged.

recourse, resource: Two words often confounded. Recourse means a resort to, as for help or protection; the adoption of a means to an end. A resource is that which one resorts to, as in case of need; the source of aid or support; an expedient. In the plural, resources are one's means, funds, or property of any kind, as distinguished from one's liabilities.

reduce, lessen: To reduce is to bring to a specified form or inferior condition; to lessen is to diminish. Do not say "to reduce cases in which the death penalty may be inflicted"; say, rather, "to lessen the number of cases, etc."

regardless is an adjective meaning "exercising no regard; heedless," and should never be used as in 182