Defence vs. defense!!! Defence and defense are two different spellings of the same word, which typically means “protection” or “something that guards against harm.” In American English, the spelling defense is typically considered standard and is much more commonly used. On the other hand, in British English, the spelling defence is preferred.
The difference between the two spellings comes down to the part of the world in which they are used. In the United States, people spell it with an s—defense, while in the United Kingdom, it is spelled with a c—defence. It is important to note that both spellings are correct and acceptable in their respective regions.
While the difference in spelling may seem insignificant, it can cause confusion and errors in written communication. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the correct spelling based on the intended audience and region.
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Defence vs. Defense
The difference between defense vs. defence lies in their spelling. “Defense” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “defence” is the preferred spelling in British English. The two spellings refer to the same word and have the same meaning.
The difference in spelling is due to the variation in the English language between the United States and the United Kingdom. In American English, words are often spelled without a “c” where British English includes the “c.” This is also the case with “defense” and “defence.”
The table below summarizes the differences in spelling between American and British English for the word “defense” and “defence.”
| Word | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Defense | Preferred | Not preferred |
| Defence | Not preferred | Preferred |
It is important to note that while “defense” is the preferred spelling in American English, “defence” is still an acceptable spelling. Similarly, while “defence” is the preferred spelling in British English, “defense” is still used and understood.
The word “fence” is often used as a way to remember the spelling difference between “defense” and “defence.” In American English, “fence” is spelled with an “s,” just like “defense.” In British English, “fence” is spelled with a “c,” just like “defence.”
Overall, the spelling difference between defense vs. defence is simply a matter of regional variations in the English language.
Meanings and Usage
Nouns and Verbs
The words “defence” and “defense” are both nouns that refer to the action of protecting or guarding against harm. In American English, “defense” is the preferred spelling, while “defence” is the preferred spelling in British English. Both spellings are considered correct and acceptable.
As a verb, “defend” is used to describe the act of protecting or guarding against an attack or harm. It can also be used in sports to describe the act of preventing an opponent from scoring. However, the use of “defence” as a verb is extremely rare.
Sports
In sports, “defense” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “defence” is the preferred spelling in British English. The term is used to describe the action and strategies involved in defending oneself or one’s goal. It is an essential part of team sports such as football, basketball, and hockey.
Law
In law, “defense” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “defence” is the preferred spelling in British English. It is used to describe the case presented by or on behalf of the party being tried. The term “defence” can also refer to the legal plea of a person on trial for a crime.
It is important to note that the use of “defence” or “defense” can also be influenced by the suffix used in a word. For example, “defensible” and “defensive” are always spelled with an “s” in American English, while “defensible” and “defensive” can be spelled with either “s” or “c” in British English.
Overall, the choice between defence vs. defense comes down to regional preference and context. It is important to use the correct spelling based on the intended audience and the context in which the word is being used.
Pronunciation and Stress
When it comes to the pronunciation of defence vs. defense, there is no difference between the two. Both words are pronounced the same way, with the stress falling on the first syllable. However, the spelling of the words can affect the stress pattern of the word when it is used in a sentence.
In British English, the stress is placed on the second syllable of “defence” when it is used as a verb, as in “to de-FENCE.” On the other hand, in American English, the stress is placed on the first syllable of “defense” when it is used as a verb, as in “to DE-fense.”
It’s important to note that the stress pattern of the word changes depending on how it is used in a sentence. For example, in the sentence “The defense was strong,” the stress falls on the first syllable of “defense” in both British and American English. However, in the sentence “He defended his position well,” the stress falls on the second syllable of “defended” in British English and on the first syllable of “defended” in American English.
Overall, while the pronunciation of “defence” and “defense” is the same, the stress pattern can vary depending on the context and the dialect of English being used.
Differences in Connotation
When it comes to the connotation of the words defence vs. defense, there are some subtle differences that depend on the context in which they are used. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- “Defense” is often associated with a more aggressive stance, as it is frequently used in the context of sports or military strategy. In these contexts, “defense” is all about protecting oneself from an opposing force or attacking the other team or army. In contrast, “defence” is often associated with a more passive stance, as it is frequently used in the context of legal or moral arguments. In these contexts, “defence” is all about protecting oneself from harm or danger, rather than actively attacking others.
- “Defenseless” and “defenceless” are both adjectives that describe a state of vulnerability, but they are spelled differently depending on whether you are using American or British English. In either case, these words suggest that someone or something is lacking in protection or unable to defend themselves against harm.
- The words “harm” and “protection” are often associated with “defence,” as the goal of any defence is to prevent harm and provide protection. In contrast, “offense” is often associated with causing harm or taking aggressive action against others.
- The word “indefensible” is often used to describe something that cannot be defended or justified. This could refer to a legal argument, a moral position, or any other situation in which someone is trying to argue in favor of something that is fundamentally flawed or wrong.
Overall, while the differences between defence vs. defense are relatively minor, they can have an impact on the connotation of a particular word or phrase. Depending on the context in which they are used, these words can suggest different levels of aggression, passivity, vulnerability, or strength.
Summary
Defence and defense are two different spellings of the same word, meaning “protection from attack or criticism.” The spelling difference exists because of the variation in British and American English. In American English, defense is the preferred spelling, while in British English, defence is the more common spelling.
Using the wrong spelling can be a common mistake, especially for those writing for an audience from a different country. It is important to know which spelling is appropriate for the audience you are writing for to avoid confusion.
For an Australian or British audience, it is best to use the spelling “defence.” On the other hand, for an American audience, “defense” is the correct spelling.
It is essential to be consistent with the spelling you choose to use throughout your writing. Mixing the two spellings can make your writing look unprofessional and confusing to the reader.
In summary, knowing the appropriate spelling for your audience is crucial to ensure your writing is clear and professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “defense” and “defence” in UK English?
In UK English, “defence” is the preferred spelling of the word, while “defense” is the American English spelling. The difference between the two spellings is simply a matter of regional preference.
When should you use “defense” and when should you use “defence” in writing?
If you are writing in American English, use “defense”. If you are writing in UK English, use “defence”. However, it is important to be consistent in your spelling throughout your writing.
Why do Americans spell defence defense?
The spelling of “defense” in American English is likely a result of Noah Webster‘s efforts to simplify and standardize American English spelling in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Webster believed that many English words contained unnecessary letters, and he proposed simplified spellings for many words, including “defense”.
It is important to note that both spellings are correct, and the choice between them simply depends on which version of English you are using.
Difference between Defence vs. Defense | Infographic
When to Use Defence vs. Defense
