Theatre vs. Theater
Theatre and theater are two words in the English language that can tie grammarians in knots. When do we use one spelling over the other? Is there a difference in meaning for these two words, or are they just two different spellings for the same thing? Let's take a look at these baffling words and how they are used.
Theatre and theater are both words that typically function as nouns. There are several meanings:
- a building or outdoor area where movies, plays, or other dramatic art productions occur
- the profession of acting, writing, producing, directing plays or other dramatic productions
- the play or other activity that makes up a dramatic production
1. Are you going to the theater/theatre tonight to see the new musical?
2. My best friend has decided to pursue theater/theatre as a major in college.
3. Smoke and flashing lights really make for dramatic theater/theatre, wouldn't you say?
4. The movie theater/theatre was so dark that I almost tripped trying to find my seat.
5. The actress is being honored tonight for her lifetime contributions to the theater/theatre.
As you can see, these two words mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably in these sentences. So, why are there two spellings and which should you use?
Theater is preferred in American English. Some people will attempt to distinguish theater as the building and theatre as the actual art, but in everyday usage, theater is the spelling in American English.
Theatre is the spelling that is preferred in British English (and elsewhere).
As you know, all the world's a stage, and the version of theater or theatre you use depends on your audience!
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