Commonly confused words

cache vs. cash cache (a hidden store of things) The police discovered a huge cache of weapons in the woods. He lives in the forest and has stored a great cache of food.   cash (money in the form of coins or bills) I don’t have much cash on me. The …

cacao vs. cocoa cacao (bean-like seeds of a tropical tree) Chocolate comes from the tropical cacao tree. The island is fertile for cacao.   cocoa (a brown powder made from cacao) Add three tablespoons of cocoa. I like to have a mug of cocoa in the morning.   cacao vs. …

  discreet (careful about what you say or do) She is very discreet in giving her opinions. We followed him at a discreet distance. discrete (separate, distinct) We’ll break down the issue into discrete categories. The data is stored on computer systems in discrete units, known as files.     discreet vs. discrete …

disk vs. desk disk (=disc British English) (a flat circular object) She put the disk on a phonograph. The compact disk holds no more than 700 MB.   desk (a table for writing and reading) There is a pile of papers on my desk. The notebook is in my desk …

discard vs. discord discard (get rid of, throw away) I want to discard all these old materials. Discard the excess fat and cut the meat into small pieces.   discord (disagreement, argument) Money is the biggest cause of discord in marriage. There has always been discord over nuclear matters.   …