Smooth vs. Smoothe: Understanding the Difference

Understanding “Smooth” vs. “Smoothe”

Let’s learn about the difference between the words smooth and smoothe. They look similar, but there is something important to know about them.

The History

The word smooth has been used in English for a long time. It is a common word. The word smoothe, with the “e” at the end, is not very common and is not a standard word in English. Sometimes, people use smoothe by mistake.

How to Use Them

Smooth is an adjective and also a verb. When used as an adjective, it describes something that feels soft when you touch it, without bumps or rough parts. As a verb, it means to make something soft or flat. The word smoothe is not recognized in standard English. It is sometimes used by mistake when people mean “smooth.”

Examples of “Smooth”

• The baby’s skin is very smooth.
• She likes the smooth surface of the table.
• He smooths his hair with a brush.
• The butter made the bread smooth to eat.
• The road became smoother after repairs.

Examples of “Smoothe”

• Many people think smoothe is a word, but it is actually a mistake.
• She tried to smoothe the paper out, but it didn’t work well.
• If you see smoothe, it usually means “smooth.”
• I thought I needed to smoothe the cake icing, but “smooth” is correct.
• People may say smoothe, but they mean “smooth.”

Trick to Remember the Difference

A simple way to remember is: smooth is the correct word for both the soft feel and the action. Smoothe is often just an error in spelling.

Summary

Smooth is the right word to use when talking about something soft or flat. It is a real English word. Smoothe is not needed in standard English. Always use smooth instead!