Understanding the Difference Between Riffle and Rifle

Understanding the Difference Between “Riffle” and “Rifle”

In English, some words seem alike but they mean different things. Two such words are “riffle” and “rifle”. Let’s look closer at what each word means, where they came from, how to use them, and a trick to remember the difference.

History of the Words

Riffle: The word “riffle” comes from an old word that means to make something move quickly. People used it first to talk about moving small pieces like cards or leaves.

Rifle: The word “rifle” has a different past. It comes from words that mean to scratch or cut. Over time, it began to mean a gun, because rifles have grooved barrels that help them shoot straight.

How to Use Them

Riffle: This word means to flip through quickly, like pages in a book or cards in a deck.

• She likes to riffle through magazines in the store.
• The wind will riffle the leaves on the trees.
• Can you riffle these cards for me?
• I saw him riffle through the papers on his desk.
• Kids like to riffle through books to look at pictures.

Rifle: This word usually means a type of long gun. It can also mean to search something quickly and messily.

• He is learning how to shoot a rifle.
• The soldier carried a rifle on his back.
• The hunter used a rifle to hunt deer.
• Someone tried to rifle through my bag.
• Please do not rifle through my drawers without asking.

Trick to Remember the Difference

One way to remember the difference is to think about “f” sounds:

1. “Riffle” has two “f”s and is often about flipping fast.
2. “Rifle” has one “f” and is usually about a gun.

Summary

Riffle means to flip through something quickly, like pages or cards. Rifle can mean a long gun or searching something in a messy way. Remember, two “f”s for riffle to flip, and one “f” for rifle for a gun. Now you know how to use these words better!