KS3 spelling words beginning at des

Spelling Quiz - Words beginning with des... (Questions)

This KS3 spelling quiz looks at words beginning with des-. Practise spotting patterns, choosing the correct spellings and avoiding mix-ups between similar-looking words in everyday writing.

Explore the Topic →

(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

Desert and dessert are easy to mix up. Desert (dry land) has one s, dessert (sweet food) has two s letters, like you want a second helping of sugar.

In KS3 English Spelling, pupils explore des- words such as describe, design, deserve and destiny. Listening carefully to each syllable and linking spellings to meaning helps build confident, accurate written work.

Key Terms

Prefix: Letters added to the start of a word, such as des-, that link a group of words through meaning or spelling pattern.
Homophone: Words that sound the same when spoken but have different spellings and meanings, for example piece and peace.
Spelling pattern: A letter sequence, like des-, that appears in several words and can be learned as a helpful chunk.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How can I remember tricky des- spellings at KS3?

Break each word into syllables, say it slowly, then write it using look-cover-write-check. Using the new word in short sentences also fixes the spelling in your memory.

What are common KS3 English words beginning with des-?

Common des- words include describe, design, desire, deserve, destroy, despite and destiny. Learning them in small, themed lists makes the spellings easier to practise and recall.

Why are spelling patterns like des- important in English?

Noticing patterns such as des- speeds up reading and spelling. It helps you predict how unfamiliar words might be written and reduces mistakes in homework and exams.

Try These Related Quizzes

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive

[ ]	dezign
[ ]	designe
[ ]	desine
[ ]	design

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The act of improving by expanding, enlarging or refining

[ ]	develupment
[ ]	devvelopment
[ ]	develepment
[ ]	development

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction

[ ]	dierlogue
[ ]	dialog
[ ]	dielog
[ ]	dialogue

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The length of a straight line passing through the centre of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference

[ ]	diameter
[ ]	diametere
[ ]	diametre
[ ]	diamita

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A glimmering glass-like mineral that is an allotrope of carbon

[ ]	diamond
[ ]	dyamond
[ ]	diemond
[ ]	diermond

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

[ ]	diarie
[ ]	diary
[ ]	daiery
[ ]	diery

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A list of words normally ordered alphabetically, explaining each word's meaning

[ ]	dictionary
[ ]	dictianary
[ ]	dictunary
[ ]	dictianery

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A prescribed selection of foods

[ ]	diat
[ ]	diut
[ ]	diet
[ ]	dyet

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
To arrange and integrate in the mind; "I cannot d...... all this information"

[ ]	diegest
[ ]	dygest
[ ]	digest
[ ]	dijest

10.

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The organic process by which food is converted into substances that can be absorbed into the body

[ ]	digestion
[ ]	digestsion
[ ]	dygestion
[ ]	digestshun

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Spelling

Spelling Quiz - Words beginning with des... (Answers)

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive

[ ]	dezign
[ ]	designe
[ ]	desine
[x]	design

Try to remember the word "sign" in "design"

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The act of improving by expanding, enlarging or refining

[ ]	develupment
[ ]	devvelopment
[ ]	develepment
[x]	development

"Develop" + -ment makes "development"

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction

[ ]	dierlogue
[ ]	dialog
[ ]	dielog
[x]	dialogue

Don't forget the -ue at the end of the word!

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
The length of a straight line passing through the centre of a circle and connecting two points on the circumference

[x]	diameter
[ ]	diametere
[ ]	diametre
[ ]	diamita

You have to wonder: why is it "metre" but "diameter"?

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A glimmering glass-like mineral that is an allotrope of carbon

[x]	diamond
[ ]	dyamond
[ ]	diemond
[ ]	diermond

Don't forget the a!

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

[ ]	diarie
[x]	diary
[ ]	daiery
[ ]	diery

If you accidentally transpose the i and a, you end up with "dairy", which is not at all the same thing!

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A list of words normally ordered alphabetically, explaining each word's meaning

[x]	dictionary
[ ]	dictianary
[ ]	dictunary
[ ]	dictianery

The unstressed a is the tricky part here

Click the correct answer for the following definition.
A prescribed selection of foods

[ ]	diat
[ ]	diut
[x]	diet
[ ]	dyet

The first syllable ends with the i and the second begins with an e: di - et