Cancel or Cancell
Which Spelling is Correct?
Confused between "cancel" and "cancell"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
Incorrect: Cancell
"Cancell" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "cancel" with one "l".
Correct: Cancel
"Cancel" is the correct spelling. It means to call off or terminate something.
Definitions
Cancel (verb):
To call off, terminate, or annul something that was previously arranged.
Examples:
- • I need to cancel my appointment.
- • The event was cancelled due to rain.
- • Please cancel my subscription.
Cancell (verb):
"Cancell" is a misspelling of "cancel" and is not a valid English word.
Examples:
- • "Cancell" is not used in standard English.
- • Always use cancel when referring to calling off.
Synonyms
Cancel:
- • Call off
- • Terminate
- • Abolish
- • Annul
- • Revoke
Cancell:
- • (No valid synonyms; not a standard English word)
Notes
Notes:
- • Cancel is spelled with one "l", not two.
- • The word comes from Latin "cancellare" meaning to cross out.
- • Can be used in various contexts like appointments, events, or subscriptions.
- • The past tense is "cancelled" (British) or "canceled" (American).
- • "Cancell" is never correct in any context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "cancell" ever correct?
A: No, "cancell" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "cancel."
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of it as "can-cel" - the word has one "l" like in "can."
Q: What's the difference between cancel and terminate?
A: Both mean to end something, but "cancel" often implies stopping before it starts.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "cancell" likely occurs because of confusion about the single "l" spelling.
Q: What are some common phrases using "cancel"?
A: Examples include: cancel out, cancel culture, and cancel subscription.
Q: Can cancel be used as a noun?
A: No, "cancel" is only used as a verb. The noun form is "cancellation."
Q: Is cancel always negative?
A: Not necessarily. Canceling can be positive if it prevents something unwanted.
Q: What's the origin of the word cancel?
A: The word comes from Latin "cancellare" and was first used in English in the 14th century.
Summary
Remember: Cancel is the correct spelling with one "l". It means to call off or terminate something. The misspelling "cancell" is never correct. Use "cancel" to describe calling off appointments, events, subscriptions, or other arrangements.