Confusing Words: noun
Meaning: a tool used for chopping wood, typically of iron with a steel edge and wooden handle.
Ax vs Axe Clarification: Ax and axe are two different spellings of the same word. There is no distinction in meaning as well as in pronunciation.
Ax vs Axe – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
The fact behind these two words is that ax and axe are two different spellings of the same word. The pronunciation of both of these spellings are exactly same and there is also no distinction in meanings.
The difference is only in their spellings. Actually, the two varieties of English language (American English and British English) keep them apart.
Let us find out which word is most suitable for style.
Ax
Ax is the preferable spelling in American English. This particular word is used as a noun or a verb within sentences. As a noun, ax means a tool with a sharp head and a handle used for cutting, chopping or splitting of trees or wood. Woodcutters usually have this tool.
1. The woodcutter cannot find out his ax to cut down the tree.
2. The man used an ax for his criminal activities.
3. An attitude can murder just as easily as an ax. (Woodrow M Kroll)
As a verb, ax means to trim, to chop or to remove something.
1. The company is about to ax a worker who is not working effeciently.
2. Do you want me to ax some grocery items?
Axe
For many years, this particular spelling (axe) was preferably used within both American and British writings. After the spelling ax, axe is no more standard for American English and is now left only for British English.
Axe is preferably used in British English and it is used in the same context as I mentioned above in the ax’s description.
1. If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first four hours sharpening the axe. (Abraham Lincoln)
Check Out: What Is Antithesis?
An Important Point
If you will see the spelling axe in an American text, do not get confused because many American writings still use axe instead of ax. It is just a general fact that the American English slightly prefers ax whereas, for British English, axe is the standard spelling.
American English = Ax
British English = Axe
What Did You Learn?
Ax and axe are two different spellings of the same word. There is no distinction in meaning as well as in pronunciation. This particular word is used as a noun or a verb within a sentence.
You can use both ax and axe in American English but in British English, axe is the only standard spelling.