Commonly confused words

defuse vs. diffuse defuse (to make something less tense, dangerous, or serious) They should take immediate steps to defuse the crisis. A meeting was held to defuse the situation. (remove the fuse, deactivate) Experts were trying to defuse the bomb. The bomb blew up when he was trying to defuse it.   diffuse (spread …

defer vs. differ defer (to put off a decision or an action to a later time) We have to defer the decision for two months. They would defer payment for as long as possible. differ (be unlike each other, not similar) The two brothers differ in many ways. He and his …

deer vs. dear deer (a wild animal that eats grass) The month of November is a good time for deer hunting. I saw a herd of about twenty deer.   dear (valued or loved very much) She lost everything that was dear to her. He is a dear friend of …

deep vs. dip deep (far down from the surface to the bottom) Still waters have deep bottoms. We still have to dig deeper.   dip (lower into a liquid) Dip your finger in to see how hot the water is. He dipped his brush lightly in the paint.     …

deem vs. dim deem (regard or consider in a particular way) She deems it an honor to be invited. The building has now been deemed safe.   dim (less bright) The light was too dim for me to see anything. He switched the headlights from dim to full.     …