When it comes to English spelling, few words confuse writers as much as “smooth” and “smoothe.” Both words sound identical when spoken, yet their usage, history, and relevance differ significantly. Misusing one for the other can make your writing appear outdated or inaccurate.
In this guide, we’ll break down Smooth vs Smoothe in detail, exploring definitions, pronunciation, historical context, modern usage, common mistakes, and practical tips to remember the difference. By the end, you’ll never mix them up again.
Understanding Smooth and Smoothe: Definitions and Origins
Language evolves, and sometimes that evolution leaves behind words that feel almost forgotten. Smooth is a staple of modern English, while smoothe is largely archaic. Understanding their roots helps clarify why one persists and the other faded.
Smooth
Smooth is a versatile word used as an adjective, verb, and occasionally a noun. Its core meaning revolves around evenness, polish, or gentleness.
- Adjective: Describes something free of roughness or irregularity.
- Example: “She ran her hand over the smooth marble countertop.”
- Verb: To make something level, calm, or even.
- Example: “He smoothed the wrinkles from the paper.”
- Noun: Less common, but historically refers to a smooth surface or area.
Etymology: Smooth comes from Old English smōþ, which meant “having a continuous surface; free from roughness.” Its usage spans centuries, consistently appearing in literature and daily speech.
Smoothe
Smoothe is an older variant of smooth, primarily seen in historical texts. It carries similar meanings, usually as a verb:
- Example: “He did smoothe the fabric before sewing.”
Historical Context: Smoothe appeared in Middle and Early Modern English as a stylistic alternative. Over time, as English spelling standardized, smoothe fell out of regular usage, replaced almost entirely by smooth.
Modern Relevance: Today, smoothe is considered archaic or poetic. You might encounter it in literature, historical documents, or as a stylistic flourish—but it’s not recommended in contemporary writing.
Smooth vs Smoothe: Spelling and Pronunciation
Confusion often arises because both words sound identical when spoken. However, their spelling and frequency differ dramatically.
| Word | Part of Speech | Pronunciation | Usage Frequency | Example Sentence |
| Smooth | Adj/Verb/Noun | /smuːð/ | Very Common | “The table had a smooth finish.” |
| Smoothe | Verb | /smuːð/ | Rare/Obsolete | “He did smoothe the wrinkles away.” |
Pronunciation Note: Both words are pronounced /smuːð/, which explains why mishearing them is common. Spelling context, rather than sound, dictates correct usage.
Correct Usage of Smooth
Smooth dominates modern English because it’s versatile and clear. Let’s break down the primary ways to use it.
As an Adjective
The most common usage of smooth is as an adjective to describe texture, surface, or behavior.
- Texture/Surface:
- “The silk scarf felt smooth against her skin.”
- “The road had been freshly paved, smooth and even.”
- Personality/Behavior:
- “He has a smooth way of handling negotiations.”
- “Her smooth charm won over the audience instantly.”
- Idioms and Expressions:
- “Smooth sailing” – something progressing without difficulties.
- “Smooth operator” – someone skilled at handling situations gracefully.
As a Verb
When used as a verb, smooth implies making something even, flat, or calm.
- Physical smoothing:
- “She smoothed the icing across the cake with a spatula.”
- “He smoothed the fabric before stitching.”
- Emotional or abstract smoothing:
- “He tried to smooth over the misunderstanding between friends.”
- “The manager smoothed tensions during the meeting.”
As a Noun
Using smooth as a noun is rare but appears in historical or poetic contexts:
- “The river had a glassy smooth that mirrored the sky.”
Even in these cases, modern writers prefer using “smooth surface” or “smoothness” instead.
Read More:Hasn’t vs Haven’t – Complete Guide to Correct Usage
Smoothe: Historical Usage and Modern Relevance
Smoothe once appeared frequently in English literature, especially during the 16th to 18th centuries. It mostly functioned as a verb.
Examples from Literature:
- Shakespeare often used smoothe to imply gentle motion or evenness.
- 17th-century poets would write: “He did smoothe the waves of unrest in the heart.”
Modern Usage Notes:
- Using smoothe today may confuse readers or appear archaic.
- Acceptable only when quoting historical texts or deliberately using a poetic style.
Recommendation: For contemporary writing, always use smooth. Smoothe is essentially a historical footnote.
Common Mistakes and Confusions
Even experienced writers stumble when it comes to smooth vs smoothe. Knowing common pitfalls can help you avoid them.
Mistake #1: Using smoothe instead of smooth
- Wrong: “She smoothe the table before writing.”
- Correct: “She smoothed the table before writing.”
Mistake #2: Over-correcting smooth
- Some writers mistakenly think “smooth” is informal and try “smoothe,” which is incorrect in modern English.
Mistake #3: Misinterpreting smoothe as a style choice
- Smoothe may look elegant, but it’s mostly outdated and could distract readers.
Quick Tip: When in doubt, always choose smooth. It’s universally recognized and accepted.
Tips for Remembering the Difference
To avoid mixing them up, use these easy strategies:
- Mnemonic: “Smooth is standard, smoothe is seldom.”
- Context Check: If writing for modern readers, websites, or publications, always use smooth.
- Reference Table:
| Word | Usage Today | Tip |
| Smooth | Correct | Default choice in all modern writing |
| Smoothe | Rare/Obsolete | Only in historical or poetic contexts |
Visual Cue: When editing, notice the extra ‘e’ in smoothe—this usually signals an older form.
Examples in Context: Smooth vs Smoothe
To fully grasp the difference, let’s examine side-by-side examples.
Correct Usage (Smooth):
- “He has smooth hands from years of guitar practice.”
- “The negotiations went smoothly.”
- “Her hair was smooth and shiny.”
Historical/Poetic Usage (Smoothe):
- “He did smoothe the wrinkles of the ancient tapestry.”
- “The gentle breeze smoothe the restless sea.”
Notice that modern sentences almost always favor smooth, while smoothe appears only in older texts or stylized writing.
Smooth vs Smoothe in Digital Writing
With online content, clarity and readability are crucial. Search engines, style guides, and digital editors overwhelmingly favor smooth.
- SEO Friendly: “Smooth” is searched far more frequently than “smoothe.”
- Professional Writing: Business emails, blogs, and reports should never use smoothe.
- Academic Writing: Only use smoothe when quoting a historical source.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Understanding Smooth vs Smoothe is simple once you remember:
- Smooth is the standard in all modern English.
- Smoothe is archaic and mostly irrelevant today.
- Use smooth for adjectives, verbs, and occasional nouns in contemporary writing.
- Smoothe is only acceptable when quoting historical literature or aiming for a poetic effect.
- When editing or proofreading, prefer smooth to ensure clarity and correctness.
By keeping these rules in mind, you’ll write confidently without falling into outdated spelling traps.
FAQs About Smooth vs Smoothe
Can “smoothe” ever be correct today?
- Only in historical or poetic contexts. In modern writing, always use smooth.
Is “smooth” ever incorrect in formal writing?
- No. Smooth is universally accepted across all writing styles.
How do you pronounce “smoothe”?
- Pronunciation is identical to smooth: /smuːð/. Context, not sound, determines correctness.
Why did “smoothe” fall out of usage?
- Standardization of English spelling during the 18th and 19th centuries replaced archaic variants like smoothe with smooth.
Are there any style guides that still accept “smoothe”?
- Only historical or literary style guides acknowledge smoothe. Modern guides like APA, Chicago, and Oxford recommend smooth.
References and Resources
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Cambridge Dictionary
- Historical texts featuring smoothe (Shakespeare, 17th-century poetry)
Conclusion:
Choosing between smooth and smoothe doesn’t have to be confusing. Smooth is your safe, modern choice, fitting every context from casual blogs to professional reports. Smoothe belongs to history, literature, and poetic expression. Understanding these nuances ensures your writing is accurate, polished, and reader-friendly. Next time you reach for that word, remember: smooth is king, and smoothe is a historical footnote.
