50 Differently Spelled Words in American English and British English

Today, we’ll be keeping this blog a little straight forward. We’ll be discussing some of the spelling differences in British and American English.

The main difference is that British English keeps the spelling of words it has acquired from other languages, mainly French and German. While American English spellings are based mostly on how the word sounds when it is spoken.

Here is a list of some of the common words and word categories which are spelled differently in British English and American English

BRITISH > AMERICAN

1. Cheque > Check
2. Chequer > Checker
3. Dialogue > Dialog
4. Analogue > Analog
5. Catalogue > Catalog
6. Monologue > Monolog
7. Dreamt > Dreamed
8. Burnt > Burned
9. Learnt > Learned
10. Encyclopaedia > Encyclopedia
11. Anaemia > Anemia
12. Caesium > Cesium
13. Oestrogen > Estrogen
14. Leukaemia > Leukemia
15. Mediaeval > Medieval
16. Paediatric > Pediatric
17. Enrolment > Enrollment
18. Fulfil > Fulfill
19. Instalment > Installment
20. Jewellry > Jewelry
21. Skilful > Skillful
22. Defence > Defense
23. Licence > License
24. Practice > Practise
25. Offence > Offense
26. Pretence > Pretense
27. Whisky > Whiskey
28. Plough > Plow
29. Cosy > Cozy
30. Grey > Gray
31. Mum > Mom
32. Moustache > Mustache
33. Pyjamas > Pajamas
34. Programme > Program
35. Tyre > Tire
36. Ageing > Aging
37. Speciality > Specialty
38. Judgement > Judgment
39. Mould > Mold
40. Sulphur > Sulfur
41. Aeroplane > Airplane
42. Draught > Draft
43. Favourite > Favorite
44. Colour > Color
45. Theatre > Theater
46. Ax > Axe
47. Labour > Labor
48. Realise > Reallize
49. Modelling > Modeling
50. Analyse > Analyze