Desert vs. Dessert – How To Distinguish Them

To create a better flow, varying in word choice is crucial. However, you should focus on the correct definitions of the terms for a better understanding and credibility in your work. The words “desert” and “dessert” count as one of the most commonly confused words due to similarities in spelling and pronunciation. In the following article, the correct meaning and usage of both words will be elaborated.

Definition of “desert” vs. “dessert”

Regardless of their similarities in spelling and phonetics, both words hold very different meanings. The word “desert” functions as a noun and refers to an arid, typically sandy, and desolate area that is usually uninhabited. In some cases, it can also mean punishment or reward. “Desert” can also be used as a compound adjective meaning unoccupied, desolate, or forsaken. It can further be used as a verb, referring to the act of withdrawing from something or someone, intending to not return.

However, the word “dessert” can only be used as a noun and holds the meaning of a sweet dish, typically delivered after the main course, such as cakes or fruits.

The key to differentiating both words is to focus on what the words refer to and their correct pronunciation. In the word “desert” the stress is on the first syllable, whereas the stress in “dessert” is on the last syllable. There are two helpful mnemonics to remember the correct meaning of the words.

• When you think of the word “desert” you can think of a “sandy place,” remembering that there is only one “s” like in the correct spelling of the word.
• When you think of the word “dessert,” however, you can think of “sweet stuff,” remembering that the letter “s” occurs two times.

Using the word “desert”

The word “desert” can be used as a noun, adjective, and verb as outlined in the following.

“Desert” as a noun

“Desert” as a noun refers to a dry, desolate, and arid area that is not inhabited by human beings. It might also describe a deserved punishment or reward, usually used in the plural form.

“Desert” as a compound adjective

“Desert” can function as a compound adjective, meaning “unoccupied,” “desolate,” or “forsaken.” A compound adjective is a combination of two or more words that, in compound, create a new meaning and act as an adjective, modifying a noun. A hyphen often links compound adjectives to avoid confusion. However, there are also non-hyphenated compound adjectives.

“Desert” as a verb

“Desert” can be used as a verb meaning “to abandon” or “to leave, intending not to return.”

Tip for using “desert” correctly

A helpful tip to use “desert” correctly is to remember that it is related to a dry area that is usually uninhabited. If you want to eliminate the risk of mistaking the word, you can use synonyms such as “barren,” “punishment,” “wasteland,” or “wilderness” when used as a noun, “arid,” “dry,” “droughty,” or “waterless” when used as an adjective or “to abandon,” “to forsake,” “to leave,” or “to withdraw from” when used a verb.

Using the word “dessert”

The word “dessert” can only be used as a noun, as described in the following.

“Dessert” as a noun

“Dessert” as a noun refers to a sweet dish such as a cake or fruit, typically served after the main course.

Tip for using “dessert” correctly

Remembering that the word “dessert” refers to “sweet stuff,” may help you to differentiate it from the similar-sounding word “desert,” as you can associate it with the double occurrence of the letter “s.” You can always use synonyms to minimize the risk of using the wrong word, like a commonly confused word. Some applicable synonyms for the word “dessert” are “candy,” “dainty,” “sweet,” or “treat.”

Practice sheet

Test your understanding of the distinction between “desert” and “dessert” with the following test. Fill out the blank spaces in the following 10 sentences and check your answers in the second tab.