Confusing Words: Donut and Doughnut (Noun)
Meaning:
Clarification:
Writers, especially the beginners, may think English as a difficult language. The reason behind it is that English has many confusing words in its vocabulary. You may come across such words that have two different spellings or sometimes, you may get confused of between two variants of English language, American English and British English. You have to be careful in spellings. It happens that a word has two different spellings; one is followed by American writers while the other one is preferred by British writers.
Today’s case is about these two variants of English language. I am going to compare donut vs. doughnut. Check out the preference of the spelling within two different regions.
Donut vs. Doughnut – The Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Is it donut or doughnut?
Donut and doughnut are two different spellings of the same word. First, see the definition below,
Definition: Donut or doughnut is a sweetened-fried cake that you always get in the shape of a ring.
People are coming across two different spellings of this ring shaped fried cake. The fact behind it is that ‘doughnut’ is the official spelling which is recognized by the dictionaries whereas; the other spelling ‘donut’ is the shortened term which is said to be an American term.
History of the spelling ‘Donut’:
In 1950, the spelling ‘donut’ has grown up when the famous America’s baked good chains Dunkin’ Donuts was first founded. After that period, this shortened term was successfully adopted by most of the people. However, donut is successfully adopted only in America, not outside of this region.
Famous quotes for Dunkin’ Donuts
- Much of my youth was spent in the parking lot or inside a Dunkin’ Donuts. (Eli Roth)
- I was sacked from Dunkin’ Donuts for squirting the donuts jelly all over the customers. (Madonna Ciccone)
Dictionary Accepted Spelling
Though, donut is the shortened term of doughnut and there is no wrong to use this term; but you have to be careful in professional publications.
Both in America and Great Britain, doughnut is the most preferable spelling to be used in writing. You can check in any writing style guide, ‘doughnut’ is said to be the correct spelling which is recognized by the dictionaries as well.
Apart from the professional writing, you can use ‘donut’ in advertisements.
Take my advice! If you are outside of America, do not use the shortened term ‘donut’ anywhere because this spelling is totally an American term.
What Did You Learn?
Doughnut and donut are two different spellings of the same word. Donut is the shortened term. The spelling ‘doughnut’ is the original term which is widely accepted spelling to be used in professional writing. The spelling ‘donut’ is an Americanized term and can be used in advertisements, mainly in the United States only.