Belabor vs. Belabour — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
"Belabor" is the American spelling, typically used to mean excessively explaining or criticizing, whereas "belabour" is the British spelling of the same word.
Difference Between Belabor and Belabour
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Belabor" is commonly used in American English to describe the action of insisting repeatedly or at great length, emphasizing a point beyond necessity. Whereas "belabour," following British English conventions, carries the exact same meaning and usage but differs in spelling.
When it comes to writing and communication, Americans will write "belabor" in emails, books, and articles, reflecting the American English spelling practices. On the other hand, British writers opt for "belabour," aligning with the spelling norms of British English.
In educational contexts, American students are taught to spell and recognize the word as "belabor." In contrast, British educational systems enforce the spelling "belabour," illustrating the regional spelling preferences.
The choice between "belabor" and "belabour" can also influence style and consistency in formal documents. American companies and institutions use "belabor," whereas British entities use "belabour."
Regarding digital communication tools and software, spellcheck settings will differ: American settings will correct to "belabor," while British settings prefer "belabour."
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Belabor
Belabour
Regional Usage
Used in American English
Used in British English
Typical Contexts
Academic, literary, formal speeches
Academic, literary, formal speeches
Spellcheck Recognition
Recognized in American settings
Recognized in British settings
Implications in Communication
May imply American cultural context
May imply British cultural context
Compare with Definitions
Belabor
To delay or dwell on unnecessarily.
Let's not belabor the discussion; we need a decision now.
Belabour
To hammer away at.
The playwright belaboured the script through numerous revisions.
Belabor
To discuss repeatedly or at length.
The committee belabored the proposal for hours.
Belabour
To assail persistently, as with scorn or ridicule.
The opposition belaboured the government's policies.
Belabor
To attack verbally.
Critics belabored the film for its inaccurate portrayal of history.
Belabour
To repeat or stress too much or too often.
He belaboured the point to the extent that it became tedious.
Belabor
To argue or elaborate in excessive detail.
He tends to belabor the point until everyone loses interest.
Belabour
To make more work than is necessary.
He tends to belabour simple tasks with complex processes.
Belabor
To beat vigorously; to labor over.
The novelist belabored the manuscript to perfection.
Belabour
To explain or work on something more than is necessary.
She belaboured every detail of the wedding plan.
Belabor
To talk or write about at length or excessively; harp on
Don't belabor the point.
Belabour
Attack (someone) physically or verbally
Bernard was belabouring Jed with his fists
Belabor
To assail verbally
"He ... belabored the new president for speedy military action against secession" (William Marvel).
Belabour
Argue or discuss (a subject) in excessive detail
There is no need to belabour the point
Belabor
To attack with blows; hit, beat, or whip.
Belabour
Variant of belabor.
Belabor
Alternative spelling of belabour.
Belabour
(transitive) To labour about; labour over; work hard upon; ply diligently.
Belabor
To ply diligently; to work carefully upon.
Belabour
To beat soundly; thump; beat someone.
Belabor
To beat soundly; to cudgel.
Ajax belabors there a harmless ox.
Belabour
To attack someone verbally.
Belabor
To work at or to absurd length;
Belabor the obvious
Belabour
To discuss something unduly or repeatedly; to harp on.
Belabor
Attack verbally with harsh criticism;
She was belabored by her fellow students
Belabour
To explain or elaborate at length or in excessive detail; overelaborate.
Belabor
Beat soundly
Belabour
To work at or to absurd length;
Belabor the obvious
Belabour
Beat soundly
Belabour
Attack verbally with harsh criticism;
She was belabored by her fellow students
Common Curiosities
What is the origin of the word "belabor"?
"Belabor" originates from the Middle English word "belabouren," meaning to expend effort on something.
Are there any synonyms for "belabor" and "belabour"?
Yes, synonyms include overemphasize, dwell on, harp on, and overstate.
In what type of writing is it most common to see the word "belabor" or "belabour"?
It is most common in formal, academic, or literary writing.
Is "belabour" considered outdated in British English?
No, "belabour" is not considered outdated and is still commonly used in British English.
Can "belabor" and "belabour" be used in a positive context?
While typically used in negative or neutral contexts, they can occasionally appear in a more positive or humorous context, particularly when someone is playfully acknowledged for their thoroughness.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between "belabor" and "belabour"?
No, there is no difference in pronunciation between the two spellings.
Which spelling should I use if I am writing for an international audience?
When writing for an international audience, either spelling is acceptable, but consistency with either American or British English throughout the text is recommended.
How do Canadians spell "belabor/belabour"?
In Canada, the British spelling "belabour" is generally preferred.
Are there any regions in the U.S. that use "belabour"?
"Belabour" is very rarely used in the U.S., as "belabor" is the standard American spelling.
Does the meaning of "belabor" or "belabour" change in legal or technical contexts?
In legal or technical contexts, the meaning does not change, though it may be used to emphasize the exhaustive consideration of details or arguments.
What impact does using "belabor" versus "belabour" have on search engine optimization (SEO)?
Using one spelling over the other might affect SEO depending on the regional audience targeted; using the variant familiar to the audience may improve search relevance.
How often is "belabor" used in spoken American English compared to "belabour" in British English?
"Belabor" is relatively uncommon in everyday spoken American English, and similarly, "belabour" is not frequently used in everyday British speech.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
