Misspelled vs. Misspelt — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 14, 2024
'Misspelled' and 'Misspelt' are variations of the past tense of 'misspell,' with 'misspelled' more common in American English and 'misspelt' in British English.
Difference Between Misspelled and Misspelt
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Key Differences
Misspelled: Predominantly used in American English as the past tense and past participle of 'misspell.' Misspelt: More commonly used in British English, conveying the same meaning.
Misspelled: Follows the American English trend of simpler spelling conventions. Misspelt: Aligns with British English's retention of traditional spelling forms.
Misspelled: Indicates a word has been spelled incorrectly. Misspelt: Also means incorrect spelling, but with a different regional usage.
Misspelled: Used in contexts where American English is the standard. Misspelt: Preferred in British English speaking regions, including the UK and Commonwealth countries.
Misspelled: Part of the trend in American English towards more phonetic spellings. Misspelt: Reflects the preservation of historical spelling forms in British English.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
American English
British English
Meaning
Incorrectly spelled
Incorrectly spelled
Spelling Convention
Simplified, phonetic
Traditional, historical
Regional Preference
US and regions using American English
UK and Commonwealth countries
Example
"The word was misspelled in the document."
"The word was misspelt in the letter."
Compare with Definitions
Misspelled
Past tense of 'misspell' in American English.
I realized I had misspelled several words.
Misspelt
To spell incorrectly.
Misspelled
Incorrectly spelled (American English).
He misspelled my name on the form.
Misspelt
Simple past tense and past participle of misspell
Misspelled
A common spelling variant in American English.
My teacher pointed out the words I had misspelled.
Misspelt
Incorrectly spelled (British English).
The name was misspelt on the invitation.
Misspelled
Indicative of a spelling error (American English).
The sign had a word misspelled.
Misspelled
Used in American English grammar.
She misspelled 'necessary' as 'neccessary'.
Misspelled
To spell incorrectly.
Misspelled
Not spelled correctly.
The ransom letter contained many misspelled words.
Misspelled
Simple past tense and past participle of misspell
Common Curiosities
Is 'misspelled' more common in the US?
Yes, 'misspelled' is the preferred form in American English.
What does 'misspelled' mean?
It refers to a word that has been spelled incorrectly, following American English usage.
What does 'misspelt' mean?
Similar to 'misspelled', it means a word has been spelled incorrectly, but it's used in British English.
Is 'misspelt' more common in the UK?
Yes, 'misspelt' is more commonly used in British English.
Would 'misspelt' be understood in an American context?
It would generally be understood, though it may be seen as a less standard form.
Is 'misspelt' considered incorrect in American English?
It's less common and may be marked as an alternative or less preferred form.
Can a word processing program recognize both 'misspelled' and 'misspelt'?
Most modern word processors recognize both forms, but the default setting may vary based on the language variant.
Are 'misspelled' and 'misspelt' interchangeable?
They can be used interchangeably, but the choice depends on the regional English variant.
Can I use 'misspelt' in American English?
It's less common and may be marked as an alternative or less preferred form.
How do I know whether to use 'misspelled' or 'misspelt'?
It depends on whether you are using American or British English.
Do English language learners need to know both forms?
Yes, it's beneficial for learners to be aware of both forms, especially when writing for different audiences.
Are there other words with similar American and British variants like 'misspelled' and 'misspelt'?
Yes, there are many words with different American and British English spellings, such as 'color/colour' and 'realize/realise'.
Is 'misspelled' used in other English-speaking countries outside the US?
It can be, especially in countries where American English is influential or preferred.
How has the use of 'misspelled' and 'misspelt' evolved over time?
The usage has remained relatively consistent, reflecting the broader American and British English spelling differences.
In academic writing, which form should I use?
Use the form that aligns with the style guide you are following, usually based on American or British English standards.
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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.
