Inexpensive-Cheap | Commonly Confused Words
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Inexpensive vs. Cheap

Inexpensive

/ˌɪnɪkˈspensɪv/
Costing little money or being affordable

Examples:

I found an inexpensive restaurant in the city center.These vases are both lovely and inexpensive.She prefers inexpensive brands for everyday clothing.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Cheap

/tʃiːp/
Low in price or cost; not expensive

Examples:

It's not cheap to live in the city.'Cheaper than any prose.'I can afford only the cheapest.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Inexpensive implies good value for a low cost, whereas cheap can suggest low quality.
  • Inexpensive usually has a positive connotation, indicating affordability without compromising quality.
  • If something is cheap, it may be affordable but potentially low-quality or low in prestige.
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