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Commonly Confused Words
Spectre/Specter
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Fate/Destiny
Shudder/Shutter
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Simile/Metaphor
Spectre vs. Specter
Spectre
/ˈspektə/
A ghost or something that is feared or causes worry
Examples:
Synonyms:
apparition
phantom
ghost
spirit
Antonyms:
reality
certainty
Specter
A ghost or phantom that is often considered frightening or bothersome.
Examples:
Synonyms:
ghost
phantom
apparition
Antonyms:
reality
certainty
fact
Ways to tell them apart:
Spectre
and
specter
are different spellings of the same word with identical meanings.
Spectre
is the British English spelling, while
specter
is the American English spelling.
Think of
centre
vs
center
to help remember that
spectre
aligns with British English usage.
Both words refer to an apparition or ghost, but the preferred spelling depends on your location or the publication's style guide.
Remember
re
for
Spectre
like in the UK
favourite
, and
er
for
Specter
like in US
favorite
.
When to use spectre:
When to use specter:
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