Many persons find it difficult or impossible to recollect the relative position of e and i, in such words as receive, believe, etc. If they will bear in mind the following rule, it may save them the trouble of referring to a dictionary for this point.
When the derivative noun ends in tion, the verb is spelled with ei: thus,—
| Conception | Conceive |
| Deception | Deceive |
| Reception | Receive |
But when the noun does not end in tion, the verb is spelled with ie: as,—
| Belief | Believe |
WORDS ENDING IN “CION.”
Disregarding the dissyllable scion, we think there are but three words in use having this termination, viz.: Coercion, Ostracion, Suspicion. Two obsolete words are Internecion and Pernicion. {p170}
ENSURE, INSURE, ETC.
The language has been sometimes enriched by retaining the several forms of a “doubtful” word, as in the case of draft and draught, each form having limitations of meaning peculiar to itself. Ensure and Insure we propose to consider distinct words rather than various spellings of the same words. So, also, of Enure and Inure.
- Ensure. [To make sure, certain, or safe; “How to ensure peace for any term of years.” To insure is to contract, for a consideration, to secure against loss; as to insure houses, ships, lives.]
- Insure. [To underwrite; “to covenant, for a consideration, to indemnify for loss of anything specified”; as, to insure houses against fire, etc.]
- Enure. [“To serve to the use or benefit of”; as, a gift of land enures to the benefit of the grantee. “The argument was made enured to particular classes or sections.”—B. Harrison’s Inaugural Address.]
- Inure [To accustom; as, a man inures his body to heat and cold; a soldier to blood inured.]