I love to cook, but hate to measure ... so I pretty much guess at everything   :)   I've been a member of this site for a while now.  I rarely rate or comment on a recipe unless I truly love it or have some constructive critique to offer.  I've become quite disillusioned with how many people feel the need to post snarky or non-helpful reviews.  I always read reviews and if I see something with a very low rating, it seems there is always a spiteful, off-topic review that's contributed.  If you don't follow the directions and sub ingredients like mad, how in the world can you give a one-star review to the recipe??     Anyway, those are my thoughts, and here's another:  We should be helpful to each other!  That's what made this a wonderful community!  :)   As to that:  d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y.  Not defiantly, but definitely.  Quite a difference there as far as definitions go.  :) In addition:  If the recipe calls for cilantro, but you don't have cilantro and decide to use oregano:  You have NOT substituted cilantro for oregano.  You have substituted oregano for cilantro. Marinade is a liquid mixture (usually vinegar, oil, and herbs) in which meat is soaked before cooking. Marinate is the corresponding verb (i.e., to soak in marinade).