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Divet vs. Divot — Which is Correct Spelling?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 18, 2023
"Divet" is an archaic spelling of "divot," which refers to a small piece of turf or soil removed from the ground, often from a golf course. The two terms share the same meaning.
Divet vs. Divot — Which is Correct Spelling?

Which is correct: Divet or Divot

How to spell Divot?

Divet

Incorrect Spelling

Divot

Correct Spelling
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Key Differences

Divot is a term generally utilized in golf and refers to a piece of turf or soil that gets dug out when a golfer swings their club at the golf ball. Divet, an archaic version of this term, shares the same definition.
In aviation, the term Divet is used to describe a slight descent or dip in the aircraft's flight path. Divot doesn't typically carry this meaning, but the term can be employed if necessary because of the commonality in their meanings.
The use of these terms varies, creating a subtle difference in usage. While Divot is widely used today, especially in golf, Divet has fallen out of use over time. Its occasional usage in aviation doesn't completely overlap with the more popular uses of Divot.
Divet became less popular as English evolved, with Divot becoming the preferred term. Both terms, essentially, mean a small indentation or depression in a surface. The circumstances in which they are applied are what differentiate the two.
Despite the variations in usage, the core meaning of both Divot and Divet remains the same. They both reference small indentations in a surface, whether that be on a golf course or an aircraft's flight path. Yet, the predominance of Divot in contemporary English marks it as the more recognized term.
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Divot Definitions

A piece of turf torn up by a golf club in striking a ball, or by a horse's hoof.
A piece of turf cut out of the ground by a golf club in making a stroke.
As he swung his club, it cut a neat divot out of the pristine golf course.
In Scotland, a piece of peat that is cut from the earth and used for fuel.
As the winter approached, they gathered divots for their fires.
(Scots) A thin square of turf or sod used for roofing.
A torn-up piece of turf, especially by a golf club in making a stroke or by a horse's hoof.
A disruption in an otherwise smooth contour.
The space between two pillows.
(golf) The cavity left when a piece of turf is cut from the ground by the club head in making a stroke.
It was a good drive but the ball ended up in a divot.
A hole in the ground left by a divot or caused by impact.
He tripped over a small divot on the otherwise smooth trail.
A tool used to repair the grass on a golf course.
The groundskeeper pulled out his divot to repair the turf where the golfer had swung.
A clod or lump of dirt.
The child picked up a divot and threw it into the pond.
A drop in a graph between two linear portions.
To tear up pieces of turf from, especially with a golf club in making a stroke.
A thin, oblong turf used for covering cottages, and also for fuel.
A small piece of turf gouged out of the ground by the head of a golf club when making a stroke.
A piece of turf dug out of a lawn or fairway (by an animals hooves or a golf club)
In golf, a small piece of synthetic material used to replace a chunk of turf taken out by a golf club.
After he made his stroke, he used a rubber divot to fix the spot.
A small indentation or dent in any surface.
He ran his fingers over the divot in the wooden table.

Common Curiosities

What is the definition of "divot"?

A divot refers to a piece of turf or a section of grass that has been cut out, torn up, or removed, especially in sports like golf when the clubhead takes a chunk of turf as the ball is struck.

Is there any difference between "divet" and "divot"?

The main difference is that "divet" is often considered a misspelling or mispronunciation of the word "divot," which is the standard and correct term in the English language.

In which context is "divot" most commonly used?

"Divot" is most commonly used in the context of golf to describe the chunk of grass or turf that is sometimes removed when a golfer swings their club and strikes the ground.

How do you pronounce "divot"?

"Divot" is pronounced as "DIV-uht," with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Is "divet" a word in the English language?

While "divet" is sometimes mistakenly used, the correct spelling for the word referring to a chunk of turf or soil removed from the ground, especially on a golf course, is "divot."

In which other sports, apart from golf, might you hear the term "divot"?

Apart from golf, the term "divot" can be occasionally used in sports like soccer or rugby to describe patches of turf that get torn up during play.

Can "divot" refer to anything other than a piece of turf?

Yes, while "divot" primarily refers to a piece of turf, it can metaphorically refer to any dent, depression, or gouge in a surface, especially one made by impact.

How should one avoid the confusion between "divet" and "divot"?

Remembering that "divot" is the correct spelling and is similar to other English words like "pivot" can be helpful. There is no "e" in either word.

How does one repair a divot on a golf course?

To repair a divot on a golf course, one typically replaces the chunk of turf or grass that was removed, ensuring it fits snugly, and then firmly presses it down. If the actual turf is lost or destroyed, golfers often use a mixture of seeds and soil provided by the course to fill in the divot.

Is "divot" derived from another word?

Yes, "divot" originates from Old Norse "dǫgg," which means a "sod" or "turf." The transformation of the term over time led to the English word "divot."

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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