How to Spell Accelerate

  • Eseandre Mordi

  • 19 Feb 2024

This article guides you through the correct spelling of accelerate, exploring common mistakes, remembering tips, and the word's usage and origins to ensure you get it right every time.

Correct Spelling of Accelerate

The correct spelling of the word is accelerate. It is often misspelled due to a misunderstanding of its roots and the pronunciation that can sometimes lead to confusion. Recognizing the correct spelling is crucial for accurate communication, especially in formal and educational contexts. Accelerate is composed of the prefix "ac-" meaning "to" or "towards" and the root "celer," meaning "fast."

How to Remember the Correct Spelling

To remember that "accelerate" is spelled with two "c"s and an "e," think of the word “acceleration” and the speed it implies, symbolized by the extra “c” for extra speed. Another tip is to recall "ace" as in being the best or fastest, contained at the beginning of accelerate.

Common Spelling Mistakes

  • Excellerate - Incorrect because it unnecessarily doubles the "x" and "l," likely confusing the prefix.
  • Accellerate - Incorrect because of the double "l," a common mistake from over-correction.
  • Accelarate - Incorrect because it misses the second "e," confusing the ending with a more common verb ending "ate."

These errors stem from misinterpretation of the word’s components and phonetic misguidance.

Definition and Etymology of Accelerate

The word accelerate means to speed up the rate of something or increase in speed. Originating from the Latin "accelerare," where "ad-" was changed to "ac-" before the "c" of "celerare" (from "celer," meaning fast), it has been in use in English since the early 15th century. The transition from Latin to English preserved its meaning, emphasizing the action of making something faster.

Transcription of Accelerate

The transcription for accelerate in American English is typically represented as /əkˈseləˌrāt/. This indicates a three-syllable structure with stress on the second syllable, guiding proper pronunciation to ensure clarity in verbal communication.

Examples of Using Accelerate

  • The recent technology breakthrough is expected to accelerate the development of clean energy solutions.
  • Applying this strategy could significantly accelerate the project's timeline.
  • The course is designed to accelerate your understanding of advanced mathematical concepts.

FAQ

What does the word mean? 
To increase speed or make something happen faster.

Words Closely Related: speed up, hasten, expedite.

Synonyms: quicken, boost, advance.

There are no significant differences between American and British spelling for the word accelerate. In both dialects, the spelling and the meaning of the word remain the same, highlighting its uniformity in English usage worldwide.

In Which Academic Dictionaries You Can Find This Word

  1. Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
  2. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.
  3. Cambridge Dictionary.


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