Cactuses-Cacti | Commonly Confused Words
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Cactuses vs. Cacti

Cactuses

Plants with thick, fleshy stems that store water and often have spines instead of leaves.

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Cacti

/ˈkæktaɪ/
Plants that usually grow in dry areas, have thick stems storing water, and spines instead of leaves

Examples:

Anna has cacti in her house.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Both cactuses and cacti are plural forms of the word cactus.
  • Cactuses is commonly used in American English, while cacti is more frequently used in British English or scientific contexts.
  • Remember the rule: -us words originating from Latin often have plural forms ending in -i (like alumnus to alumni).
  • Cacti might sound more formal or technical, whereas cactuses sounds more casual.
  • Both words are correct, so the choice often depends on personal or regional preference.
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