Monies vs. Moneys — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 14, 2024
"Monies" and "moneys" both refer to sums of money collected or allocated for particular purposes, but "monies" is more common in legal and formal contexts.
Difference Between Monies and Moneys
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Monies" is often used in legal and formal documents to denote collective sums of money, such as funds, fees, or revenues. Whereas "moneys" also denotes multiple sums of money, it is less commonly used and can appear in both formal and informal contexts.
In practice, "monies" might be found in contracts, financial statements, and government documents, indicating an emphasis on the various sources or allocations of funds. On the other hand, "moneys" may appear in less formal financial discussions or writings, maintaining a broad but less frequently utilized usage.
The preference for "monies" in many English-speaking regions underscores its acceptance in professional discourse. In contrast, "moneys" might be chosen for stylistic reasons or by personal preference, reflecting a less standardized application.
Usage guides and dictionaries typically list "monies" as the primary plural form of money when referring to different kinds or instances of money. Whereas "moneys" is often noted as a variant, which some might consider less conventional.
In legal contexts, the term "monies" helps clarify that the text refers to separate pools or batches of funds, each with potentially different origins or designated uses. On the other hand, "moneys" can serve the same purpose but might not be as immediately recognized or understood in these high-stakes environments.
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Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Legal, formal documents
Less formal, varied contexts
Frequency of Use
More common
Less common
Preferred Contexts
Contracts, financial statements
Informal financial discussions
Dictionary Listings
Often listed as primary form
Usually listed as a variant
Implication
Specific funds with purposes
General sums of money
Compare with Definitions
Monies
Sums of money collected for specific purposes.
The charity allocates the collected monies to different humanitarian projects.
Moneys
Less commonly used plural form of money.
Moneys collected from the sale were immediately reinvested.
Monies
Financial resources or funds.
The company’s monies were audited annually.
Moneys
Multiple instances of financial transactions.
The moneys from different accounts were merged.
Monies
Assets in the form of liquid cash.
The investor was interested in the quick liquidation of assets into monies.
Moneys
Informal usage implying different funds.
All moneys must be reported to the tax office.
Monies
Legally defined pools of capital.
The settlement required the allocation of monies to various claimants.
Moneys
Variant of monies; sums of money.
The moneys owed by the corporation were substantial.
Monies
Plural form of money used in formal contexts.
Monies from the fundraiser were used to rebuild the school.
Moneys
General term for various amounts of cash.
The treasurer kept a detailed account of all moneys received.
Monies
A plural of money.
Moneys
A medium that can be exchanged for goods and services and is used as a measure of their values on the market, including among its forms a commodity such as gold, an officially issued coin or note, or a deposit in a checking account or other readily liquefiable account.
Monies
A money
Moneys
The official currency, coins, and negotiable paper notes issued by a government.
Monies
Plural of mony
Moneys
Assets and property considered in terms of monetary value; wealth.
Moneys
Pecuniary profit or loss
He made money on the sale of his properties.
Moneys
One's salary; pay
It was a terrible job, but the money was good.
Moneys
An amount of cash or credit
Raised the money for the new playground.
Moneys
Often moneys, monies Sums of money, especially of a specified nature
State tax moneys.
Monies set aside for research and development.
Moneys
A wealthy person, family, or group
To come from old money.
To marry into money.
Moneys
Plural of money(used in the sense of plural of coins and bills, often with humorous intention)
Moneys
Plural of money(used in the sense of plural of currency) Multiple currencies
“After my trip to Asia, I have three different moneys in my wallet.”[http://twokindsofmoneys.blogspot.com/2009/06/moneys-vs-monies.html Two Kinds Of Moneys]
Moneys
Collectively money
All the moneys collected for the poor was wasted in fund raising.
Common Curiosities
How should I decide whether to use monies or moneys?
Consider the formality of the context; use "monies" for formal or legal contexts and "moneys" in less formal situations.
What is the difference between monies and moneys?
Both "monies" and "moneys" refer to sums of money, but "monies" is preferred in formal contexts like legal documents, while "moneys" is less common and more informal.
Can "moneys" be used in official documents?
Yes, "moneys" can appear in official documents, though "monies" is generally preferred in such cases.
Why is "monies" more common than "moneys"?
"Monies" is more established in legal and formal writing, which influences its commonality over "moneys."
Are monies and moneys interchangeable?
Technically, they can be used interchangeably, but "monies" is typically used in more formal or legal settings.
Can "moneys" be considered incorrect in formal writing?
"Moneys" is not necessarily incorrect, but it is less preferred in very formal or legal writing where "monies" is the standard.
Are there specific industries or fields where "monies" is preferred over "moneys"?
"Monies" is frequently used in finance, law, and government sectors where precise language about funds is necessary.
What are the origins of the terms "monies" and "moneys"?
Both "monies" and "moneys" originate from the singular noun "money," which comes from the Latin word "moneta." The plural forms have developed to denote multiple sums or types of money.
How should non-native English speakers decide which term to use?
Non-native speakers should generally use "monies" in academic, formal, or legal settings to align with common usage, and reserve "moneys" for informal contexts or personal preference.
Are there any notable publications or style guides that recommend one term over the other?
Many style guides and legal writing guides recommend "monies" for formal and legal writing due to its prevalence and specificity in those fields.
Is the use of "monies" more common in certain English-speaking countries?
Yes, the use of "monies" is particularly common in British English and in legal contexts within the United States and other Commonwealth countries.
In digital communication (emails, online articles), which term is more appropriate?
The choice depends on the formality of the communication. "Monies" suits more formal or professional exchanges, while "moneys" could appear in less formal contexts.
Has the usage of "monies" and "moneys" evolved over time?
Yes, the usage has evolved, with "monies" becoming more specialized and preferred in formal and legal contexts, while "moneys" remains a less common alternative used variably across different contexts.
How does the pluralization of "money" to "monies" or "moneys" affect its meaning?
Pluralizing "money" to "monies" or "moneys" emphasizes the concept of multiple types or instances of money, particularly in contexts involving various sources or allocations.
What impact does the choice between "monies" and "moneys" have on legal documents?
Using "monies" in legal documents can enhance clarity and precision, which is crucial in legal contexts. The use of "moneys" might be less clear due to its less frequent use.
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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.
Edited 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.
