Acquaintance or Acquaintence
Learn the correct spelling of “Acquaintance” and why “Acquaintence” is a common mistake.
Acquaintence
Incorrect spelling - “Acquaintence” is a misspelling caused by confusion between –ance and –ence endings.
"Acquaintence" is a common misspelling of "Acquaintance". Always use "Acquaintance" when referring to the correct word.
Acquaintance
Correct spelling - The proper way to spell this word.
“Acquaintance” means a person you know slightly but not closely.
Definition of Acquaintance
"Acquaintance": “Acquaintance” means a person you know slightly but not closely.
This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing.
Synonyms for Acquaintance
- • contact
- • associate
- • colleague
- • connection
Usage Examples
"Correct:" He is just an acquaintance, not a close friend.
"Correct:" She met several new acquaintances at the event.
"Correct:" I have a business acquaintance in London.
"Correct:" We became acquaintances through work.
"Incorrect:" He is my acquaintence.
"Incorrect:" I met many acquaintences.
"Incorrect:" She has an acquaintence in the office.
"Incorrect:" We talked as acquaintences.
Notes:
- • Ends with -ance, not –ence.
- • Think: ‘acquire’ → ‘acquaint’ → always –ance.
- • Highly misspelled due to pronunciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Correct spelling?
A: Acquaintance.
Q: Why confuse with -ence?
A: Because many English words end in -ence.
Q: Meaning of acquaintance?
A: A person you know casually.
Q: Trick to remember?
A: Think ‘aCQUAINT → acquaintance’ (A to A).
Summary
“Acquaintance” is correct; “acquaintence” is wrong. The correct ending is always –ance.