Difference between British and American English PDF for free download. As two of the most widely spoken languages in the world, British and American English have many similarities, but also some notable differences. In particular, the vocabulary used in each dialect can vary quite significantly. In this blog, we will explore some of the key differences between British and American English vocabulary, with examples.
Difference between British and American English
Spelling differences
One of the most noticeable differences between British and American English is in spelling. Here are some examples of words that are spelled differently:
| British English | American English |
| -oe-/-ae- (e.g. anaemia, diarrhoea, encyclopaedia) | -e- (e.g. anemia, diarrhea, encyclopedia) |
| -t (e.g. burnt, dreamt, leapt) | -ed (e.g. burned, dreamed, leaped) |
| -ence (e.g. defence, offence, licence) | -ense (defense, offense, license) |
| -ell- (e.g. cancelled, jeweller, marvellous) | -el- (e.g. canceled, jeweler, marvelous) |
| -ise (e.g. appetiser, familiarise, organise) | -ize (e.g. appetizer, familiarize, organize) |
| -l- (e.g. enrol, fulfil, skilful) | -ll- (e.g. enroll, fulfill, skillfull) |
| -ogue (e.g. analogue, monologue, catalogue) | -og (e.g. analog, monolog, catalog)*Note that American English also recognizes words spelled with –ogue |
| -ou (e.g. colour, behaviour, mould) | -o (e.g. color, behavior, mold) |
| -re (e.g. metre, fibre, centre) | -er (e.g. meter, fiber, center) |
| -y- (e.g. tyre) | -i- (e.g. tire) |
More Spelling differences with Definition
| British English | American English | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| aeon | eon | an indefinite and very long period of time |
| ageing | aging | the process of getting older |
| archaeology | archeology | the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains |
| caesium | cesium | a soft, silvery-white metal element with the symbol Cs and atomic number 55 |
| catalogue | catalog | a list of items, often with brief descriptions, that is used for reference or ordering |
| cheque | check | a written order directing a bank to pay money |
| defence | defense | the action of defending from or resisting attack |
| dialogue | dialog | a conversation between two or more people |
| doughnut | donut | a sweet, fried pastry usually shaped like a ring |
| favourite | favorite | preferred or liked above all others |
| grey | gray | a color between black and white |
| harbour | harbor | a place on the coast where boats and ships can take refuge from the weather or are loaded and unloaded |
| honour | honor | high respect or esteem |
| humour | humor | the quality of being amusing or comical |
| jewellery | jewelry | decorative items worn for personal adornment, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings |
| kerb | curb | a raised edge along the side of a street or sidewalk |
| litre | liter | a metric unit of capacity equal to one cubic decimeter |
| metre | meter | a metric unit of length equal to 100 centimeters |
| neighbour | neighbor | a person living next door or nearby |
| programme | program | a planned series of events or performances, especially on television or radio |
| pyjamas | pajamas | loose-fitting, comfortable clothing worn for sleeping or lounging |
| recognise | recognize | identify or acknowledge someone or something as previously known or seen |
| tyre | tire | a rubber covering for a wheel, usually made of synthetic or natural rubber |
| whisker | whisker | any of the long, stiff hairs growing on the face of a cat, mouse, or other mammal |
| woollen | woolen | made of or resembling wool |
Vocabulary differences
There are many words that are used in British English that are not commonly used in American English, and vice versa. Here are some examples:
| British English | American English | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| biscuit | cookie | a small, sweet baked item usually eaten as a snack |
| boot | trunk | the enclosed storage area in the back of a car |
| chemist | drugstore | a shop where you can buy medicines, cosmetics, and toiletries |
| crisps | chips | thin, salty snack food made from potatoes |
| dustbin | garbage can/trash can | a container for household waste |
| estate agent | real estate agent | a person who buys and sells houses or other property |
| flatmate | roommate | a person who shares an apartment or house with others |
| football | soccer | a sport played with a ball and feet |
| fortnight | two weeks | a period of 14 days |
| jumper | sweater | a knitted garment worn on the upper body |
| lift | elevator | a machine that moves people or goods up and down floors |
| lorry | truck | a large vehicle used for transporting goods |
| mobile phone | cell phone | a portable electronic device used for making calls and sending messages |
| motorway | highway/freeway | a multi-lane road designed for high-speed traffic |
| nappy | diaper | a garment worn by a baby to absorb waste |
| petrol | gas | a liquid fuel used in cars and other vehicles |
| pavement | sidewalk | a path for pedestrians at the side of a road |
| queue | line | a line of people waiting for something, usually in order |
| railway | railroad | a system of tracks and trains used for transportation |
| takeaway | takeout | food that is prepared in a restaurant or cafe and taken away to be eaten elsewhere |
| taxi | cab | a car that is hired to take passengers to a destination |
| torch | flashlight | a portable electric light that runs on batteries |
| trousers | pants | a garment worn on the lower body |
| trolley | shopping cart | a wheeled cart used for carrying groceries or other items |
| university | college | an institution of higher education that offers degrees |
| windscreen | windshield | the front window of a vehicle |
| zip | zipper | a device used for fastening clothing or bags |
Pronunciation differences
In addition to differences in spelling and vocabulary, there are also some differences in pronunciation. Here are some examples:
| British English | American English | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| advertisement | advertiz-ment | a notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event |
| aluminium | al-yoo-MIN-ee-um | a silver-white, metallic chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13 |
| controversy | con-truh-VER-see | prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion |
| data | DAY-tuh | facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis |
| herb | HURB | any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume |
| mobile | MOH-bile | able to move or be moved freely or easily |
| privacy | PRY-vuh-see | the state of being free from public attention or observation |
| schedule | SHED-yool | a plan for carrying out a process or procedure, often with a timeline |
| tomato | tuh-MAY-toh | a red or yellowish fruit with a juicy pulp, used as a vegetable in cooking |
| vase | vahz | a decorative container, typically made of glass or porcelain, used for holding cut flowers |
Expressions and idioms
Finally, there are also many expressions and idioms that are used in one dialect but not the other. Here are some examples:
| British English | American English | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| have a lie-in | sleep in | to stay in bed later than usual in the morning |
| kick off | start | to begin or start something |
| queue up | line up | to wait in a line or queue |
| a bit of a sticky wicket | a bit of a pickle | a difficult or tricky situation |
| at the end of my tether | at the end of my rope | to be at the limit of one’s patience or resources |
| bum bag | fanny pack | a small pouch worn around the waist to carry personal belongings |
| chuffed | pleased | to be delighted or pleased with something |
| dodgy | sketchy | suspicious or of questionable integrity |
| give someone a bell | give someone a call | to make a phone call to someone |
| knock someone up | wake someone up | to wake someone up by knocking on their door or window |
| take the piss | bust someone’s chops | to make fun of someone or tease them |
| throw a spanner in the works | throw a wrench in the works | to disrupt or cause problems for a plan or project |
| touch wood | knock on wood | to make a knocking sound on wood to avoid tempting fate or jinxing something |
| British English | American English | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| blow a raspberry | Bronx cheer | to make a rude noise with your lips |
| have a butcher’s | take a look | to have a look |
| spend a penny | use the restroom | to use the toilet |
| chuffed to bits | tickled pink | very pleased or happy |
| have a kip | take a nap | to have a short sleep |
In conclusion, while British and American English share many similarities, there are also many differences in vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and expressions. Understanding these differences can help you communicate more effectively with people from both sides of the Atlantic.
Download : Difference between British and American English PDF
Name : Difference between British and American English
Medium : English
Number of pages : 8
