Genius is the correct spelling. Genious isn’t a standard English word, and it comes from applying the familiar “-ious” adjective ending to a word that actually ends in a much simpler “-ius.” The Short Answer at a Glance Form Status What it does Example genius Correct Noun describing exceptional intellectual or creative ability, or a…
Chief is the correct spelling. Cheif transposes the “i” and “e,” breaking one of English’s most familiar spelling guidelines: “i before e, except after c.” The Short Answer at a Glance Form Status What it does Example chief Correct Noun or adjective referring to a leader, or describing something as primary or most important The…
Both spellings are correct. Theater is the standard in American English, and theatre is the standard in British, Canadian, and Australian English. If you’re writing for a US audience, use theater unless you’re naming a venue, company, or department that spells itself with the re ending. The Short Answer at a Glance The word is…
Per se is the correct phrase. Per say is a common misspelling based on how the Latin phrase sounds when spoken, since the word “se” doesn’t visually hint at its actual pronunciation. The Short Answer at a Glance Form Status What it does Example per se Correct Latin phrase meaning “in itself” or “by itself,”…
Both spellings are correct, but which one to use depends on region and context. Programs is standard American English for all uses, while British English generally uses programmes for most meanings but switches to programs specifically when referring to computer software. The Short Answer at a Glance Form Region What it covers Example programs American…
Tomatoes is the correct plural of tomato. Tomatos isn’t a standard spelling, and the mistake usually comes from assuming every word ending in “o” simply adds an “s” for its plural, when tomato actually belongs to a smaller group that adds “es” instead. The Short Answer at a Glance Form Status What it does Example…
Memento is the correct spelling. Momento is a common misspelling, likely influenced by the similar-sounding word “moment,” since the two words share a related meaning and an almost identical sound. The Short Answer at a Glance Form Status What it does Example memento Correct Noun referring to an object kept as a reminder of a…
Minuscule is the standard spelling, and it means extremely small. Miniscule is a widespread variant that dictionaries note, but many editors treat it as an error. Choose minuscule in anything you publish, and you’ll never get a second look. The Short Answer at a Glance Form Status Meaning Example Minuscule Preferred standard spelling Extremely small;…
Barbecue is the standard spelling recognized by major dictionaries. Barbeque is a widely used variant, especially common in brand names and casual writing, but it isn’t the form most style guides and dictionaries list as primary. The Short Answer at a Glance Form Status What it does Example barbecue Standard spelling Noun or verb referring…
Existence is the correct spelling. Existance is a misspelling, and standard dictionaries don’t list it as a variant. The word ends in ence because it comes from the adjective existent. The Short Answer at a Glance Form Status Meaning Example Existence Correct noun The state of being real or alive Nobody doubted the existence of…