Confusing Words in English

Confusing Words: Discreet and Discrete (Adjective)
Meaning:
Discreet (careful and prudent in one’s speech or actions)
Discrete (individually separate and distinct)
Discreet vs Discrete Clarification: Discreet and discrete are homophones, having the same pronunciation but different meanings. Both are used as an adjective within a sentence.

Sometimes, even a professional English writer got confused of some words. For instance, when a writer comes across homophones, he/she can feel a puzzle like situation with word choice.

Homophones are such a set of words that sound exactly same but have quite different meanings. So, you have to be very careful while choosing the correct word because a small mistake could be enough to ruin your entire writing. Today’s discussion is also based on a set of homophones; it is discreet vs. discrete.

I will define each of these words with example sentences. In this way, you will get to know the differences between discreet and discrete.

Discreet vs. Discrete – The Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Discreet and discrete come from the same origin > from the Latin word ‘discretus.’

Is it discreet or discrete?

As I told you that discreet and discrete are homophones. It means that they just have a similar pronunciation but are different in terms of meaning. You must recognize their spellings that are totally different as, it helps you to keep them apart. Let me define these terms one by one with examples.

Discreet

Discreet is used as an adjective within a sentence. It is synonymous with close-mouthed, careful, or cautious. The word is used to define secrecy which is not likely to be exposed or shown in front of others. It is such a careful action which is hidden in order to keep something secret and unrevealed.

Check out its example sentences.

1. You cannot judge him; he has a very discreet nature.

2. I don’t know why the group wanted me to be more discreet about my thoughts.

3. He stands for fame of his forefather’s feet, By heraldry, proved valiant or discreet. (Edward Young)

Discrete

Discrete is used as an adjective within a sentence. It is used to describe such things that are separate and detached. Discrete is synonymous with discontinuous, individual, distinct, etc.

Example sentences

1. Each branch of this school has its own discrete designs for syllabus.

2. The boss wants this file in three discrete parts, each explaining all the possible strategies.

3. At the head of these new discoveries and insights comes the establishment of the facts that electricity is composed of discrete particles of equal size, or quanta, and that light is an electromagnetic wave motion. (Johannes Stark)

Check Out: Disc vs Disk.

What Did You Learn?

Discreet and discrete are homophones, having same pronunciation but different meanings. Both are used as an adjective within a sentence. Discreet means cautious or careful whereas, discrete means distinct or separate.

Confusing Words: Disinterested and Uninterested (adjective)
Meaning:
Disinterested (not influenced by considerations of personal advantage.)
Uninterested (not interested in or concerned about something or someone._
Disinterested vs uninterested Clarification: The terms ‘disinterested’ and ‘uninterested’ are not interchangeable. Though, both of these words are used as adjectives

If you are an English writer or speaker, you probably feel a lot of confusion with word choice because English vocabulary has hundreds of confusing words. In this post, I am going to talk about disinterested vs. uninterested.

Do not think these words similar. There is, for sure, a difference between disinterested and uninterested. I will define each of these words with example sentences. Continue reading!

Disinterested vs. Uninterested – Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Are you disinterested or uninterested?

Most of the people say that there is no difference between these words and you can use them interchangeably. However, if you write professionally, you should know that there is a great difference between disinterested and uninterested; and you should not mix them up.

The biggest confusion comes up because of the two meanings of the term ‘disinterested.’ The first and foremost meaning is the most accepted meaning but the other one is nearly similar as the meaning of uninterested which is said to be an error.

Let us check out their definitions one by one.

Uninterested

Uninterested is used as an adjective within a sentence. It means not interested in something or someone; or unresponsive to involve in something. Uninterested is synonymous with unconcerned, bored by, etc.

See the example sentences below,

• The students were uninterested in yesterday’s lecture on politics, so I planned to move on to another topic.
• Don’t disturb me! I am uninterested in going out for a walk.
• You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity. (Thomas Wolfe)

Disinterested

Disinterested is used as an adjective within a sentence. It means impartial; or unbiased by a personal interest or an advantage. A disinterested person is neutral in the sense that nothing could influence him/her.

See the example sentences below,

• I will go with the judge’s result; he is, surely, a disinterested observer.
• Advices should be disinterested because it’s a matter of the will.
• Truthful movements spontaneously attract to themselves all manner of pure and disinterested help. (Mahatma Gandhi)

As, I said before that there are two different meanings of disinterested, the above definition of disinterested is widely accepted. The other meaning is similar as the meaning of uninterested, which is unconcerned or bored.

Try to not use the second meaning as this meaning is considered to be an error and should be avoided in writing.

What Did You Learn?

The terms ‘disinterested’ and ‘uninterested’ are not interchangeable. Though, both of these words are used as adjectives but they are totally different from each other in terms of meaning. ‘Disinterested’ means impartial or neutral to take an advantage. ‘Uninterested’, on the other hand, means unconcerned.

Confusing Words: Yay or Nay (Exclamation)
Meaning:
Yay (expressing triumph, approval, or encouragement.)
Nay (a negative answer.)
Clarification: You can choose between these words easily if you understand the meaning

It is common to express agreement with words like “of course” and “yeah”. On the other hand, disagreements are shared through words like “not” but, usage of yay or nay as alternatives can be confusing.

I will show you, through examples, how you can utilize these words in the right context.

Yay or Nay – Difference, Definition and Meaning?

Yay

Informal Affirmative Exclamation.

Yay is used to express excitement. This may be the most common usage but, in some writings, the same word is also used to give an estimation of size of something. For example,

1. We are getting my favourite food today, yay!
2. Yay! I scored the highest in my Math test.
3. I need to expand my closet. It is only yay big for all the clothes.

Nay

Signals No Vote.

Nay is used to express disagreement. It closely rhymes with “neigh” which is instead used for a whinny sound or horse sound. For example,

1. A nay vote by the population can help make useful changes to the constitution.
2. Nay, stop the fight! We came here to have a good time.
3. I need one, nay, three pencils to get this done.

Do You Know Where Yay or Nay Originated From?

English is an old language for sure but that does not mean all the words came in that early. Yay and nay were absorbed into this language quite late.

It was around 1963 when yay evolved from a common English word “yeah” which was considered to an informal way of saying “yes”.

Yay and nay became popular in terms of “vocal voting” where people were often asked to say out loud what their opinion on a matter was.

What Did You Learn?

The examples should be enough to show you how yay or nay can be used in sentences. Moreover, you can remember that Yay and yes start with Y so have the same meaning. This is similar to Nay or No.

You can choose between these words easily if you understand the meaning. Here’s a quick overview:

Yay: Yes or affirmative.
Nay: No or disagreement.

Also see:
Difference Between Disk and Disc.
Difference Between Disinterested and Uninterested.

Confusing Words: Donut and Doughnut (Noun)
Meaning:
Clarification:

Writers, especially the beginners, may think English as a difficult language. The reason behind it is that English has many confusing words in its vocabulary. You may come across such words that have two different spellings or sometimes, you may get confused of between two variants of English language, American English and British English. You have to be careful in spellings. It happens that a word has two different spellings; one is followed by American writers while the other one is preferred by British writers.

Today’s case is about these two variants of English language. I am going to compare donut vs. doughnut. Check out the preference of the spelling within two different regions.

Donut vs. Doughnut – The Difference, Definition & Meaning?

Is it donut or doughnut?

Donut and doughnut are two different spellings of the same word. First, see the definition below,

Definition: Donut or doughnut is a sweetened-fried cake that you always get in the shape of a ring.

People are coming across two different spellings of this ring shaped fried cake. The fact behind it is that ‘doughnut’ is the official spelling which is recognized by the dictionaries whereas; the other spelling ‘donut’ is the shortened term which is said to be an American term.

History of the spelling ‘Donut’:

In 1950, the spelling ‘donut’ has grown up when the famous America’s baked good chains Dunkin’ Donuts was first founded. After that period, this shortened term was successfully adopted by most of the people. However, donut is successfully adopted only in America, not outside of this region.

Famous quotes for Dunkin’ Donuts

• Much of my youth was spent in the parking lot or inside a Dunkin’ Donuts. (Eli Roth)
• I was sacked from Dunkin’ Donuts for squirting the donuts jelly all over the customers. (Madonna Ciccone)

Dictionary Accepted Spelling

Though, donut is the shortened term of doughnut and there is no wrong to use this term; but you have to be careful in professional publications.

Both in America and Great Britain, doughnut is the most preferable spelling to be used in writing. You can check in any writing style guide, ‘doughnut’ is said to be the correct spelling which is recognized by the dictionaries as well.

Apart from the professional writing, you can use ‘donut’ in advertisements.

Take my advice! If you are outside of America, do not use the shortened term ‘donut’ anywhere because this spelling is totally an American term.

What Did You Learn?

Doughnut and donut are two different spellings of the same word. Donut is the shortened term. The spelling ‘doughnut’ is the original term which is widely accepted spelling to be used in professional writing. The spelling ‘donut’ is an Americanized term and can be used in advertisements, mainly in the United States only.

Confusing Words: Skillset and Skill Set (Noun)
Meaning:
Clarification:

It is easy to see that skillset or skill set are variant for each other. They may carry the same meaning and therefore, many don’t bother which one is correct. But, what if you are dealing with an official document where there is no room for mistake?

Skillset or Skill Set – What Is the Difference, Definition and Meaning?

Skill Set

Described as a noun.

Skill set refers to a collection of skills/abilities of a person that are useful for a particular profession of a task. Skill set is considered a noun phrase i.e. group of words that collectively perform function of a noun.

However, it is worth noting here that not both words in “skill set” are a noun when considered separately. “Skill” is an adjective which describe a noun “set”. Together, they are a type of compound noun.

Example 1: Tell us about the skill set/skill sets that you have which make you suitable for the job as graphic designer.

Example 2: How to develop a skill set that can help you achieve success in your athletic career?

Skillset

Also described as a noun.

The meaning of skillset is no different that what skill set is. In fact, many take it as the correct way to write the spellings. It also refers to a collection of skills/abilities of a person that are useful for a particular profession of a task

There is an exception! A company in the New South Wales goes by the name “Skillset”. If that is what you are referring to in your content, then the correct spelling are Skillset with a capital “S” and no space in between.

Is Skill Set or Skillset Grammatically Wrong?

Although both have been adopted into English writing, major dictionaries agree that skillset is not acceptable as grammatically correct alternative to skill set. You can check Dictionary.com or Cambridge Dictionary for reference.

If you search for skillset in an online dictionary, you may be routed to alternative entries of skill set or simply see a message that states “no match for skillset. Did you mean..”

Things are a bit more lenient when you look into Google dictionary. Here, both the words are regarded as correct entries but it is recommended that you go with the majority and only utilize “skill set” in your official and non-official writing.

What Did You Learn?

There is some confusion since many people rely on Google dictionary as the first source of spell check. Therefore, as long as you are writing something informal, you might not be penalized for using skillset in place of skill set although the former is not grammatically correct. Nonetheless, it is better to go with “skill set” for more important documents such as a cover letter or resume for job application.

Skill set: noun, collection of skills/abilities of a person that are useful for a particular profession of a task
Skillset: noun, the meaning same as “skill set” but only supported as correct alternative by Google dictionary.

Also See:
Difference Between Disinterested and Uninterested.
Yay or Nay – What Is the Meaning?