Understanding the Difference between Specter and Spectre

Specter vs. Spectre

These two words, specter and spectre, look almost the same but are a little different. Let’s learn what they mean, how to use them, and a trick to remember which one to use.

History

The word specter is used in American English. It comes from a word that means a ghost or something scary that you can see but is not real. Spectre is the British English way of spelling the same word.

How to Use Them

Both specter and spectre mean a ghost or something spooky, but specter is used in the USA, and spectre is used in the UK.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember the letter “E” at the end:

• Specter is for the English spoken in America.
• Spectre is for the English spoken in Britain.

Examples of “Specter”

• A specter haunted the old house.
• The specter of fear kept them awake at night.
• She saw a specter at the end of the hall.
• The specter of failure worried him all year.
• A dark specter loomed over the town.

Examples of “Spectre”

• A spectre haunted the old castle.
• The spectre of fear kept them awake at night.
• She saw a spectre in the mirror.
• The spectre of failure worried him all year.
• A dark spectre loomed over the countryside.

Summary

So, specter and spectre both mean ghost. Use specter if you are in the USA, and use spectre if you are in the UK. Remember the “E” at the end to know which English you are using!