Dilemma is a situation that requires a choice between undesirable options. The chairperson is caught in a dilemma between lying and admitting he embezzled the money. Problem is a situation, matter, or person that presents perplexity or difficulty. They have a problem with the supervisor’s leadership. Quandary is a situation that requires a choice between […]
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Different from and Different than
Different from is used when comparing items. Excluding cost, her car is different from mine in many ways. Different than is used when a subject and verb (a clause) follow the phrase. Her job today is much different than it was five years ago.
Difference between Differ from and Differ with
Differ from means to differ between one person or thing and another. My car differs from Joe’s in that it is equipped with a GPS. Differ with means to differ in opinion (disagree). I differed with her opinion of the new school principal.
Difference between Dialog and Dialogue
Though dialogue is more common, either spelling is acceptable.
Difference between Dialectal and Dialectical
Dialectal refers to a dialect or a regional language. Nine major dialectal regions exist in China. Dialectical refers to a method for arriving at the truth. Some philosophers use the Socratic dialectical method of cross-examination.
Difference between Dialate and Dilate
Dilate is the correct word.
Difference between Diagnosis and Prognosis
Diagnosis is the identification of a problem, most commonly a medical condition. The diagnosis is a slight tear in the right knee’s cartilage. Prognosis is a forecast or prediction. The doctor offered his prognosis that knee surgery would help.
Difference between Dexterous and Dextrous
Though dexterous is more common, either spelling is correct.
Difference between Device and Devise
Device refers to a gadget. In addition to the PC, the personal copier is a useful device. Devise means to think of something. The President and his staff devised a plan to help the economy.
Difference between Detract and Distract
Detract means to take away a part or to lessen something. Their odd behavior detracts from their accomplishments. Distract means to divert, confound, or harass something. The noise in the balcony distracted her attention from the play.
Difference between Despise and Hate
Despise means to regard with contempt or to look down on. It’s their successful economy that is so despised by the group. Hate means to dislike intensely or loathe something. It seems people either love or hate mayonnaise on sandwiches.
Difference between Desperate and Disparate
Desperate means nearly hopeless or undertaken as a last resort. We are taking desperate measures to avoid another strike. Disparate means completely distinct or different. The candidates’ ideas reflect disparate visions of government’s role.