# detection vs detention

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### detection
*noun · IPA /dɪˈtɛk.ʃən/ · frequency rank #6,461*
The act or process of detecting, uncovering, or finding out, the discovery of something new, hidden, or disguised.

### detention
*noun · IPA /dɪˈtɛnʃn̩/ · frequency rank #7,555*
The act of detaining or the state of being detained; hindrance.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/detection-vs-detention