Rachet vs. Ratchet — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Sumaia Saeed — Updated on April 18, 2024
"Rachet" is the incorrect spelling of "ratchet," which refers to a device containing a wheel or bar with teeth, allowing motion in only one direction.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Rachet or Ratchet
How to spell Ratchet?
Rachet
Incorrect Spelling
Ratchet
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of "ratchet" as having an extra "t" because it often involves tightening, which starts with "t."
The word "ratchet" is longer than "rachet" because a ratchet usually consists of more components.
Visualize the "t" in "ratchet" as part of the mechanical teeth that the tool uses.
Remember that "ratchet" has the same ending as "hatchet," both ending in "-tchet."
How Do You Spell Ratchet Correctly?
Incorrect: I thought I heard a rachet, but it was just some loose change.
Correct: I thought I heard a ratchet, but it was just some loose change.
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Incorrect: The noise of the rachet was very loud in the quiet garage.
Correct: The noise of the ratchet was very loud in the quiet garage.
Incorrect: Her costume included a toy rachet to complete the engineer look.
Correct: Her costume included a toy ratchet to complete the engineer look.
Incorrect: He used a rachet to tighten the bolt, but it slipped.
Correct: He used a ratchet to tighten the bolt, but it slipped.
Incorrect: Make sure you grab a rachet from the toolbox.
Correct: Make sure you grab a ratchet from the toolbox.
Ratchet Definitions
A dance associated with quick, repetitive hip thrusting.
At the party, everyone tried doing the ratchet to the beat of the music.
Informal: A situation or behavior regarded as deplorably bad or unpleasant.
The afterparty got pretty ratchet once everyone started showing up.
A mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in one direction.
The ratchet mechanism on the jack made lifting the car easier.
Lacking in class, refinement, or good taste.
A verb meaning to secure something with a ratchet.
He ratcheted the cover onto the pool tightly to keep debris out.
A mechanism consisting of a pawl that engages the sloping teeth of a wheel or bar, permitting motion in one direction only.
The pawl, wheel, or bar of this mechanism.
A dance featuring ratcheting movements of the arms bent at the elbows.
To cause to increase or decrease by increments:tried to ratchet up interest in the program.
To increase or decrease by increments.
A pawl, click, or detent for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch and pawl.
A ratchet wrench.
(by extension) A procedure or regulation that goes in one direction, usually up.
A noisemaker or musical instrument where sound is generated by a board striking against a rotating gear. See gragger, raganella.
(transitive) To cause to become incremented or decremented.
It's time to ratchet up the intensity level here.
(intransitive) To increment or decrement.
Ghetto; unseemly, indecorous.
A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch, and pawl. See Ratchet wheel, below, and 2d Ratch.
Mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or rack engaged with a pawl that permits it to move in only one direction
Move by degrees in one direction only;
A ratcheting lopping tool
Ratchet Meaning in a Sentence
The engineer used a ratchet to tighten the nuts on the machine.
The ratchet slipped and caused a loud clanking noise.
Every click of the ratchet ensured the wheel was secure.
She found the old ratchet in her grandfather’s toolbox.
He handed her a small ratchet to help with the project.
The set includes a ratchet with several interchangeable heads.
He learned how to use a ratchet in his mechanics class.
It’s important to lubricate the ratchet to prevent rust.
The ratchet mechanism allows movement in only one direction.
The sound of the ratchet echoed through the garage.
Be careful not to strip the bolt with the ratchet.
Always store the ratchet in a dry place to avoid damage.
The ratchet can also be used in making furniture.
They heard the ratchet click as they tightened the frame.
I need a ratchet to finish assembling the furniture.
The ratchet handle provided good leverage during the repair.
The ratchet made quick work of the assembly process.
A ratchet is essential for working on automotive repairs.
Make sure the ratchet is securely locked before using it.
She taught him how to operate the ratchet for his new job.
Ratchet Idioms & Phrases
Ratchet mechanism
Refers to the mechanism in a tool or machine that allows movement in only one direction.
The ratchet mechanism ensures that the load doesn’t slip back down.
Ratchet effect
Describes a situation where something is progressively intensified or changed and there’s no return to the initial state.
The ratchet effect meant that once prices went up, they never came back down.
Throw a ratchet
Slang for disrupting or adding chaos to a situation.
He certainly threw a ratchet into our plans when he announced he was leaving.
Ratchet down
To decrease or reduce something gradually.
After the crisis, the government had to ratchet down spending.
Ratchet up
To increase or intensify something gradually.
The company decided to ratchet up their marketing efforts.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide ratchet into syllables?
Ratch-et.
What is a stressed syllable in ratchet?
The first syllable, "ratch," is stressed.
How is ratchet used in a sentence?
e.g., Use the ratchet to tighten those bolts securely.
What is the first form of ratchet?
The first form is "ratchet."
Why is it called ratchet?
Because it derives from "ratch," a Middle French word meaning "wheel" and reflects its mechanical function.
How many syllables are in ratchet?
Two syllables.
What is the root word of ratchet?
The root word is "ratch," from Middle French "rochet."
What is the third form of ratchet?
The third form is "ratcheted."
What is the verb form of ratchet?
The verb form is also "ratchet," as in "to ratchet something up or down."
What is the singular form of ratchet?
The singular form is "ratchet."
What is the opposite of ratchet?
The opposite could be "release" or "loosen."
What is another term for ratchet?
Another term is "mechanical fastener."
Is ratchet a vowel or consonant?
The word begins with a consonant.
Is ratchet a collective noun?
No, it is not a collective noun.
Is the word “ratchet” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be a direct object.
What is the pronunciation of ratchet?
It is pronounced as /ˈrætʃɪt/.
What part of speech is ratchet?
"Ratchet" can be a noun or a verb.
Is ratchet a negative or positive word?
It is neutral; its connotation depends on context.
Is the word ratchet imperative?
It can be used in an imperative form.
Which vowel is used before ratchet?
Typically, consonants are used before "ratchet."
Is ratchet an adverb?
No, it is not an adverb.
What is the second form of ratchet?
The second form is "ratcheted."
What is the plural form of ratchet?
The plural form is "ratchets."
Is ratchet an abstract noun?
No, it is a concrete noun.
Is ratchet a countable noun?
Yes, it is countable.
Which preposition is used with ratchet?
Commonly used prepositions are "with" and "by."
Which conjunction is used with ratchet?
Conjunctions such as "and" or "or" can be used.
Is ratchet a noun or adjective?
"Ratchet" is primarily a noun and a verb.
Is the ratchet term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically in some contexts.
Is the word ratchet Gerund?
No, but "ratcheting" could be considered a gerund.
Which determiner is used with ratchet?
Determiners like "a," "the," and "this" can be used.
Which article is used with ratchet?
Both "a" and "the" are suitable depending on context.
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Written by
Sumaia Saeed
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.
