The English language presents fascinating nuances that can sometimes confuse writers, especially when it comes to similar sounding words with different meanings. Two such words that often get mixed up are calendar and calender.
The Meaning and Use of Calendar
A calendar is a system used to organise and measure time, usually in the form of days, weeks, months and years. We leverage calendars broadly in various aspects of our lives to plan around work, holidays, appointments, and special occasions. For instance, you might check your calendar to make sure you aren’t booked on a certain date before finalising an appointment or an outing.
- Example sentence: “Let me glance at my calendar to confirm if I’m free on that date.”
The Etymology of ‘Calendar’
The term ‘calendar’ has an interesting history. It comes from the Latin word ‘calendarium’ which loosely translates to an ‘account book’. Ancient Romans used it to mark the start of each month, which was also the designated time for settling debts. This origin manifests itself in the modern use of the word, albeit we now use them more for recording, planning and organising activities.
The Common Spelling Error
Despite its common usage, the word ‘calendar’ is frequently misspelled as ‘calender’. To avoid this common mistake, focus on the sequence of vowels in ‘calendar’. The ‘e’ in ‘cale’ followed by the ‘a’ in ‘dar’ is a good mnemonic to remember the correct spelling.
The Meaning and Use of Calender
Moving on to the term ‘calender’, unlike ‘calendar’, it has an utterly different meaning. A calender is a machine used in papermaking and the textile industry to finish and smooth paper and fabrics. It has nothing to do with time and dates, and should not be confused with ‘calendar’.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main difference between ‘calendar’ and ‘calender’ lies in their meanings and use. A calendar is a system for organising days for social, religious or administrative purposes. In contrast, a calender is an industrial machine used in finishing fabrics or paper. Remembering these distinctions and the correct spellings will help avoid any confusion in your communication and writing.