Category or Cathegory – Which is Correct?
When it comes to spelling, English can be a tricky language at times. With its vast vocabulary and numerous exceptions to the rule, it’s not uncommon to come across words that leave us scratching our heads. One such example is the word we often use to classify and group things together: category. However, you may have also seen it spelled as cathegory, leading to the question – which is correct?
The correct spelling of this word is indeed “category.” The version with an “h” – cathegory – is considered incorrect in modern English. It is an archaic spelling that was more prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries but has since fallen out of favor.
While the “h” in cathegory may seem odd to us today, it actually had a purpose in older English. Back in the day, when the word was first borrowed from the Latin “categoria,” it was spelled with an “h” to mimic the Greek spelling, “kathēgoria.” However, as English evolved, the unnecessary “h” was dropped, and the spelling category came to be widely accepted.
To illustrate this further, let’s consider a few examples:
1. Correct: The books in the library are divided into different categories based on their genres.
Incorrect: The books in the library are divided into different cathegories based on their genres.
2. Correct: John won the award in the category of Best Actor.
Incorrect: John won the award in the cathegory of Best Actor.
3. Correct: The grocery store organizes its products into various categories for easy shopping.
Incorrect: The grocery store organizes its products into various cathegories for easy shopping.
As you can see from these examples, the word category is used to refer to the classification or grouping of things. It is a noun that describes a division or class based on a particular characteristic or criteria. The incorrect spelling, cathegory, may not be recognized by most spell-checkers or dictionaries and is likely to confuse readers.
So, why is it essential to use the correct spelling in everyday communication? Well, a language is a shared system of understanding, and using consistent spelling helps ensure clear and effective communication. When we deviate from the accepted norms, we risk causing confusion and misunderstandings, which is something we all strive to avoid.
In conclusion, category is the correct spelling of the word we use to classify and group things together. While the archaic spelling, cathegory, may still be encountered in older texts, it is not considered standard in modern English. By using the correct spelling, we can ensure effective communication and uphold the clarity and consistency of our beloved language.