Censure vs Censor
censure
to formally blame/criticize
censor
to suppress/ban content
How to tell them apart
censuRE = a stern REbuke (you're formally blamed). censOR = the editOR who cuts and bans the content.
Test yourself
Which word fits from context? Pick one, then reveal the answer. This is exactly how the GRE tests these pairs.
Question 1
The ethics committee voted to formally the senator for accepting undisclosed gifts, though it stopped short of removing him from office.
Choose: censure or censor
Show answer
Answer: censure
to "formally ____ the senator for" misconduct is formal blame = censure; censor (suppress content) is not done to a person's conduct.
Question 2
Government officials moved to the documentary, cutting every scene that depicted the disputed border region in an unflattering light.
Choose: censure or censor
Show answer
Answer: censor
"cutting every scene" means suppressing content = censor; censure (to blame) does not involve editing footage.
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