Theater and Theatre are the most commonly confusing words in the English language, with different spelling but having the same meaning. At the first insight, it may signal to any reader or writer that there may not appear to be a significant variation between these two words. Both serve the same function of conveying a particular idea or concept.
However, they appear to be subtle differences, especially from a dialect standpoint.
Key Takeaways
- In American English, “theater” is the preferred spelling, referring to the physical building where performances occur and the art form of drama or dramatic performances.
- “Theatre” is the preferred spelling in British English, encompassing the same meanings as the American English term “theater.”
- The primary difference between “theater” and “theatre” is their American and British English usage. Both terms denote the same concepts related to performance arts and the venues where they occur.
Theater vs Theatre
The difference between Theater and Theatre is that Theater is a word commonly used in American English, whereas Theatre is a word commonly used in British English. However, the above is not the only difference. A comparison between both the terms on specific parameters can shed light on subtle aspects:
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Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Theater | Theatre |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Same meaning as that of Theatre, i.e. a venue where plays or events are held or to denote a performance. However, some people may relate Theater to the structure, venue, or place where the entertainment or drama occurs. | Same meaning as that of Theater, i.e. a venue where plays or events are held or to denote a performance. However, some people may relate Theatre to drama or art. |
| What is the spelling difference? | The alphabet “e” is used as the second last alphabet | The alphabet “r” is used as the second last alphabet |
| Is this word used commonly in British English? | No | Yes |
| Is this word used commonly in American English? | Yes | No |
| Is it fully adopted in America? | Yes | No |
| Is this word included in the Merriam-Webster dictionary? | Yes, because this dictionary is based on American English, and this dictionary intended to simplify the words to relate to their easy and correct form of pronunciation. | No, only the word “Theater” is included |
| Origination of word | France | Greece |
| Is this word too old or new? | A new word which emerged in the 14th century | Ancient dating back to 300 BC |
| Which is more common | Only familiar with US English, and that too used in a few countries | Theatre is more common as it is ancient and used in many countries |
What is Theater?
Theater means a building/area for showing motion pictures or dramatic performances. Theater can also mean any dramatic literature or a dramatic representation as art or profession.
Theater can also relate to a place of enactment of significant events or activities or can be considered as a room with rising tiers of seats for assemblies (for example, for lectures). Theater can also mean entertainment in the form of drama.
The word Theater was first coined in France and then spread to other European countries and the rest of the world. The theater is America’s most commonly used word to describe an entertainment or movie venue.
The word Theater is frequently used in North America to denote someone going to a movie.
What is Theatre?
Theatre means a building, room, or outside format with seat rows, and each seat row is commonly elevated than the one in the fore-end, from which people can watch a performance or other activity.
Theatre can also refer to the writing or performance of plays, operas, etc., which are performed in public or work in the form of acting or writing plays.
Theatre can also relate to a behaviour that is not considered sincere and is intended to produce a specific effect or to stimulate curiosity. Theatre can also refer to an area or place of happenings for significant military events.
The word Theatre is the genesis of United Kingdom English. Theatre has coined almost ages ago in Athens, Greece, around 322 BC.
Theatre is now primarily used in the UK and pronounced with a British accent.
Theatre is used sparingly under American English and has been adopted for the last 50-60 years. However, there is still some opposition to using this word entirely in the United States.
Main Differences Between Theater and Theatre
- The theater is trusted to emanate from France. Theatre is said to have been coined in Greece.
- The theater is a word commonly used in the United States (i.e. US English system). Theatre is used in the United Kingdom (i.e. the UK English system) and other countries.
- The theater is a word that emerged in prominence in the 14th century and is hence considered relatively new. Theatre is believed to have originated in 300 BC and hence very old.
- Theater is a word used in the United States since its origination. Theatre has been used only for the last 50 years or so in the United States but with little success.
- Theater word usage will be preferred for American writers and audiences. Theatre word usage will be a preferred option for UK writers and UK audiences.
- In America, some people may still use the word Theater and Theatre differently, such as Theater for a venue or an entertainment place and Theatre for an art or drama form.
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
