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Est. 1828
Popular in
Commonly Confused
'Capitol' or 'Capital'?
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Grammar & Usage Commonly Confused

What is the difference between a masochist and a sadist?

One likes to feel pain. The other likes to cause pain.

A masochist is a person who takes pleasure in their own pain and suffering. Someone who derives sexual gratification from being subjected to physical pain or humiliation is also called a masochist. A sadist is a person who takes pleasure in inflicting pain, punishment, or humiliation on others.

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comely

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Popular

Commonly Confused

'Capitol' or 'Capital'?

Which way: 'segue' or 'segway'?

'Demur' and 'Demure': Not to be Confused

'Virus' vs. 'Bacteria'

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

See All

Grammar & Usage

How and When to Use 'Sometime' and 'Anytime'

What's an initialism?

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

See All

Wordplay

8 Ways to Get Away From It All

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

See All
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