Commonly confused words

discreet

• wise, cautious and not saying anything which might cause trouble

• open and outspoken about one's opinions

• careless and reckless in actions

• loud and attention-seeking in behavior

discord

• a state of harmony and agreement

• the state of not agreeing or sharing opinions

• a type of musical composition

• a method of communication

discrete

• clearly separate or different in shape or form

• connected or continuous in nature

• indistinct or blurred in appearance

• uniform or identical in shape

imminent

• (especially of something pleasant) likely to happen very soon

• (especially of something unpleasant) likely to happen very soon

• (especially of something neutral) likely to happen very soon

• (especially of something rare) likely to happen very soon

diffuse

• to (cause something to) spread in many directions

• to concentrate in one area

• to disappear completely

• to create a barrier

persecute

• to treat someone unfairly or cruelly because of their race, religion, or beliefs

• to support someone in their beliefs or actions

• to ignore someone's rights or feelings

• to celebrate someone's achievements or successes

opposite

• completely different

• similar

• identical

• related

appraise

• to examine someone or something in order to judge their or its qualities, success, or needs

• to criticize someone harshly

• to ignore someone's efforts

• to celebrate someone's achievements

assent

• official agreement to or approval of an idea, plan, or request

• a formal disagreement or rejection of a proposal

• a casual discussion about an idea or plan

• a temporary pause in decision-making

defuse

• to prevent a bomb from exploding

• to make something more intense

• to create a sense of urgency

• to increase the pressure on a situation