Royalty vs Royality
The Ultimate Spelling Guide: Understanding the Difference Between Correct and Incorrect Usage
Quick Answer
"Royality" is always incorrect - remember only one "l" in "royalty"!
Royality
❌ INCORRECT
This spelling is never acceptable in English. It's a common mistake that should be avoided.
Royalty
✅ CORRECT
This is the proper spelling meaning "royal status" or "royal family."
Understanding the Difference
"Royal" (Base Adjective)
- • Means "relating to kings/queens"
- • Ends with single "l"
- • Base form of the word
- • Used for description
"Royalty" (Noun)
- • Means "royal status"
- • Add "ty" to "royal"
- • Keep single "l"
- • Used for the concept
Spelling Rule
- • Don't double "l"
- • When adding "ty"
- • Keep original spelling
- • Follow base word form
Real-World Examples
✅ Correct Usage
"The British royalty is famous."
"She has royalty in her blood."
"The royalty attended the ceremony."
"He was born into royalty."
❌ Common Mistakes
"The British royality is famous" ❌
Should be: "royalty"
"She has royality in her blood" ❌
Should be: "royalty"
"The royality attended the ceremony" ❌
Should be: "royalty"
"He was born into royality" ❌
Should be: "royalty"
Memory Tricks & Tips
Single L Rule
Royal + ty = Royalty (not Royality)
Think Base Word
Royal has one "l" - keep it that way
Write It Out
Practice writing "royalty" to build muscle memory
Proofread
Always double-check your spelling before submitting
Advanced Usage Patterns
Common Phrases
- • British royalty - UK royal family
- • European royalty - European monarchs
- • Royalty status - royal position
- • Royalty blood - royal lineage
- • Royalty ceremony - royal event
- • Royalty tradition - royal custom
Grammatical Functions
- • Noun: "The royalty is present"
- • Subject: "Royalty governs"
- • Object: "I respect royalty"
- • Possessive: "The royalty's power"
- • Plural: "Multiple royalties"
- • Compound: "Royalty-watcher"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do people double the "l" in "royalty"?
A: The confusion often stems from the fact that some English words do double consonants when adding suffixes (like "run" → "runner"). However, "royal" doesn't follow this pattern - it keeps its single "l."
Q: Can "royalty" be used in formal writing?
A: Absolutely! "Royalty" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, academic papers, and professional communication. It's the standard English spelling.
Q: What's the etymology of "royalty"?
A: "Royalty" comes from the adjective "royal," which originates from Old French "roial" meaning "royal." The suffix "ty" is added to indicate the state or quality of being royal.
Q: Are there regional variations in usage?
A: No, "royalty" is spelled the same way across all English-speaking regions. The spelling "royality" is never correct in any dialect or region.
Q: How can I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of the base word "royal" first, then add "ty." The word "royal" has one "l" and should keep it that way. Remember: "Royal" + "ty" = "Royalty."
Q: What are some synonyms for "royalty"?
A: Common synonyms include: nobility, aristocracy, monarchy, sovereign, crown, throne, and when referring to people: monarch, king, queen, prince, and princess.
Q: Can "royalty" be used for non-human things?
A: Yes! "Royalty" can refer to both people (royal families) and concepts (royal status or position). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is considered the best or most prestigious.
Q: What's the difference between "royalty" and "royal"?
A: "Royal" is an adjective meaning "relating to kings or queens," while "royalty" is a noun referring to royal status, position, or the royal family itself.
Q: Do all words ending in "al" follow the same pattern?
A: No, the pattern varies. Some words like "royal" → "royalty" keep single consonants, while others like "run" → "runner" double consonants. It depends on the specific word and its etymology.
Key Takeaway
Always remember: "Royalty" has one "l" from "royal."
"Royality" is never correct in any context.
💡 Pro Tip: Think "ROYAL + TY = ROYALTY"