What Is the Difference between "Desert" and "Dessert"?
The Quick Answer
Dessert is the sweet course at the end of a meal.
Desert or Dessert?
The words desert and dessert look similar, but they are very different in meaning.Dessert
A dessert is typically the final course of a meal. It is usually sweet (e.g., ice cream, cake, pudding).- Would you like to see the dessert menu?
An example of a dessert
Desert
The word desert can be an adjective, noun, or verb. It has the following meanings:Arid land with little or no vegetation.
The Sahara Desert
- The plants and animals possess special features which allow them to cope with the desert conditions.
(Desert is an adjective in this example.)
- An ice desert is defined as a polar area that supports little or no vegetation and that is permanently covered by snow and ice.
(Desert is a noun in this example.)
- If disturbed too often, the adult birds will desert the fledglings.
- If you desert, you will be shot when you're caught.
(Desert is a verb in these examples.)
- As soon as the bell went, the kids deserted the building.
(Desert is a verb in this example.)
Hot Tip
Remembering Dessert
Here is an excellent way of remembering the difference between dessert and desert:When you're stressed, you eat cake, chocolate, and sweets because 'stressed' is 'desserts' backwards.
(Yeah, I know. It's brilliant, isn't it?)
A Quick Test
Hot Tip
Dessert Is Twice As Good
Here are some ways to remember desert and dessert:- Dessert is twice as good as desert.
- Desert = Sahara
- Dessert = Strawberry shortcake.
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