Though dialogue is more common, either spelling is acceptable.
Category: Confusing Words
Difference between Dialectal and Dialectical
Dialectal refers to a dialect or a regional language. Nine major dialectal regions exist in China. Dialectical refers to a method for arriving at the truth. Some philosophers use the Socratic dialectical method of cross-examination.
Difference between Dialate and Dilate
Dilate is the correct word.
Difference between Diagnosis and Prognosis
Diagnosis is the identification of a problem, most commonly a medical condition. The diagnosis is a slight tear in the right knee’s cartilage. Prognosis is a forecast or prediction. The doctor offered his prognosis that knee surgery would help.
Difference between Dexterous and Dextrous
Though dexterous is more common, either spelling is correct.
Difference between Device and Devise
Device refers to a gadget. In addition to the PC, the personal copier is a useful device. Devise means to think of something. The President and his staff devised a plan to help the economy.
Difference between Detract and Distract
Detract means to take away a part or to lessen something. Their odd behavior detracts from their accomplishments. Distract means to divert, confound, or harass something. The noise in the balcony distracted her attention from the play.
Difference between Despise and Hate
Despise means to regard with contempt or to look down on. It’s their successful economy that is so despised by the group. Hate means to dislike intensely or loathe something. It seems people either love or hate mayonnaise on sandwiches.
Difference between Desperate and Disparate
Desperate means nearly hopeless or undertaken as a last resort. We are taking desperate measures to avoid another strike. Disparate means completely distinct or different. The candidates’ ideas reflect disparate visions of government’s role.
Difference between Despatch and Dispatch
Dispatch is preferred in American usage.
Desolate vs Dissolute
Desolate means uninhabited or miserable. Chris and Bill decided to retire in a desolate part of Maine. The children are desolate over the loss of their dog last year. Dissolute means lacking in moral standards. I regret having lived a dissolute lifestyle in my younger years.
Desert vs Dessert
Desert, as a noun, is an arid place with little vegetation or something deserved or merited, especially a punishment.