Adviser vs. Advisor

Adviser vs. Advisor

Adviser and advisor are both acceptable words in the English language. But, do they mean something different? Is one spelling preferred over the other? How do you know which one to use in your writing? Allow me to be your adviser as we analyze these two similar words.

Adviser and advisor are both acceptable spellings of the same word. They function as nouns and refer to someone who provides advice or counsel. While adviser is by far the more common spelling, both are accepted.

1. My academic adviser/advisor told me that I need to take one more math class for my degree.

2. My grandmother goes to a spiritual adviser/advisor two times each week.

3. When I inherited a large sum of money, I sought help from a financial adviser/advisor.

Both of the words are interchangeable in these sentences. Some sources cite a preference for advisor when referring to an official title of someone:

1. The job of academic advisor

2. The role of security advisor

In addition, it is important to note that you should not interchange the words when they are used in an official title-use the spelling that is already present:

1. The President's Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett

2. The Council of Economic Advisers

In summary, both of these spellings are accepted and the words mean the same-referring to someone who provides advice or counsel. When in doubt, you could use the more common adviser; however, if you are referring to an official title, it is best to check the spelling that is used.

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