Desert vs Desert

• Desert (a barren, sandy area) – Noun

• Desert (to abandon or leave behind) – Verb

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Desert (Noun): Pronounced /ˈdɛzɚt/ (DEH-zert) — A barren area.

• Desert (Verb): Pronounced /dɪˈzɚt/ (dih-ZERT) — To abandon.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "desert" in context.
Can you tell which “desert” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. The desert is a harsh environment with little water.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

2. He wouldn’t desert his team during a difficult game.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

3. Many animals in the desert have adapted to survive in extreme heat.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

4. She felt deserted by her friends after the argument.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

5. The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

6. Soldiers who desert their duties face serious consequences.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

7. The desert landscape stretched as far as the eye could see.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

8. He decided to desert his unhealthy habits and start fresh.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

9. They crossed the desert with camels carrying supplies.
   a. A barren, sandy area
   b. To abandon or leave behind

10. She promised not to desert her responsibilities, no matter how hard they became.
    a. A barren, sandy area
    b. To abandon or leave behind

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Desert (a barren, sandy area)

1. The vast desert was breathtakingly beautiful. (Stress desert to emphasize the landscape.)

2. The desert is home to many resilient animals and plants. (Highlight desert to focus on the environment.)

3. The Sahara Desert stretches across much of northern Africa. (Emphasize desert to show the specific location.)

Desert (to abandon or leave behind)

1. She refused to desert her friends during their time of need. (Stress desert to focus on loyalty.)

2. The captain warned the crew not to desert the ship. (Highlight desert to indicate disobedience.)

3. He deserted his old ways to start a new chapter in life. (Emphasize deserted to show transformation.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking.

Desert (a barren, sandy area):

1. Hot desert: Highlights the extreme climate.

   • Tip: Highlight hot to emphasize the conditions.

   • Sentence: The Sahara is a hot desert with temperatures exceeding 50°C.

2. Vast desert: Suggests a large and expansive area.

   • Tip: Stress vast to show its size.

   • Sentence: They traveled through the vast desert for days without seeing anyone.

3. Desert animals: Refers to the unique wildlife.

   • Tip: Highlight animals to focus on survival.

   • Sentence: Camels are well-known desert animals that store water in their bodies.

Desert (to abandon or leave behind):

1. Desert responsibilities: Focuses on abandoning duties.

   • Tip: Emphasize responsibilities to show seriousness.

   • Sentence: She refused to desert her responsibilities despite the challenges.

2. Desert their post: Refers to abandoning a position or role.

   • Tip: Highlight post to specify the location.

   • Sentence: Soldiers who desert their post face strict penalties.

3. Desert habits: Suggests leaving behind negative patterns.

   • Tip: Stress habits to indicate personal growth.

   • Sentence: He worked hard to desert his bad habits and adopt healthier ones.

Things to Remember:

The word "desert" is used in different contexts:

• Desert (a barren, sandy area): Often paired with phrases like "hot desert," "vast desert," or "desert animals."

  • Example: The travelers braved the hot desert to reach their destination.

• Desert (to abandon or leave behind): Commonly used with "desert responsibilities," "desert their post," or "desert habits."

  • Example: He promised not to desert his friends when they needed him