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drought – draught – draft:
[The word ‘draught’ rhymes with “draft”; and the word ‘drought’ has a different first vowel sound that rhymes with ‘cow’.]
“Drought” is ‘a very long period of dry weather due to the failure of seasonal rains; no rains for a long time; ‘a shortage of something for a long time, apart from water, such as talented artists, good singers, etc.’,
- a severe drought
e.g.
There has been a severe drought in these parts of the country and many heads of cattle died due to lack of fodder and water.
__________
“Draught” (said as ‘draft’) means:
- draught [draft] (blowing into the room through the open window)
(a) a current of air in an enclosed space; air passing through (a tunnel) with a lot of force
- a good draught
(b) the act of pulling a fishing net in water
- draught (draft) beer
(c) the act of taking out (drawing) a liquid, such as beer, from a large container
- draught (draft) animals
(d) animals used to pull carts or carry loads, such as oxen, horses, donkeys, camels, etc.
e.g.
Please, close the door after/behind you, there is a cold draught coming in.
The farmer is looking for a pair of good draught horses.
Most beer lovers prefer draught beer to bottled beer.
- draughts (a borad game)
[Note: The word 'draught' always in its plural form "draughts" is a kind of board game; though it is plural in form, it is singular in meaning and takes a singular verb after it.]
__________
“Draft” is
- a draft (first hand-written copy of a text)
(a) ‘the first rough copy of some written matter, or a rough plan’,
- a bank draft
(b) ‘a written order on a printed form for money to be paid by a bank’,
- draftees drafted in the Army
(c) ‘(as a verb & in American English) to join in the army (military), and the person who joins or is joined is called a ‘draftee’
e.g.
The rough draft of my essay has been approved by my teacher.
Her father sends her money by draft.
[The American English spelling for ‘draught’ is “draft”.]
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About the Author:BC Kumar
BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.
