Confusing Words: Bath (noun/verb) and Bathe (verb)
Meaning:
Bath (a large container for water, used for immersing and washing the body.)
Bathe (wash by immersing one’s body in water.)
Bath vs Bathe Clarification: As a verb, bathe or bath means to clean or to wash oneself. However, American English prefers bathe and British English goes with bath.
Bath vs Bathe – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Bath and bathe are just one-letter apart. There is a difference in function as well that you should memorize. Let us discuss these words one by one with example sentences.
Bath
Bath is used as a noun or a verb within sentences. As a noun, it is used to refer an open, usually large, container which is filled with water or it can be the process of cleansing oneself. For instance, take a bath.
As a verb, bath means to clean or to wash oneself, usually in the container full of water. Bath (as a verb) is preferably used in British English.
1. Will you take a bath first or shall we move on?
2. Feels so sleepy that is why, I am going to bath first.
Bathe
Bathe is only used as a verb within sentences. Bathe has the same meaning as bath. The only difference is that bathe is the preferred spelling for American English whereas, bath is preferred in British English.
Furthermore, in British English, bathe also mean to swim.
1. She bathed in the pool, leisurely, to feel fresh.
2. The children bathe twice a day.
Note: Bathe also mean to pour liquid. In this way, it can be used in both American and British English.
Got the Difference?
The first and foremost thing to remember is that whenever you want a noun, just remember bath, not bathe.
Bath can be used as a noun or a verb whereas, bathe is only used as a verb.
Bath = Noun + Verb
Bathe = Verb
However, if you need a verb, then you should first think about the audience because American English prefers bathe and British audiences prefer bath. In this case, both bath and bathe mean to clean or to wash oneself.
Furthermore, both American and British audiences prefer bathe to refer to pour liquid over something. For example,
• The doctor bathed his wounds in some yellow coloured liquid.
Check Out: The Difference Between Bought and Brought.
What Did You Learn?
Bath and bathe are just one-letter apart. Bath can be used as a noun or a verb whereas, bathe is only used as a verb.
As a verb, bathe or bath means to clean or to wash oneself. However, American English prefers bathe and British English goes with bath.
In British English, bathe can also mean to swim in the sea. On the other hand, both American and British audiences prefer bathe to refer to pour liquid over something.