English is full of confusing words that look and sound alike, and smooth and smoothe are prime examples.
Despite the fact that many people mistakenly add an “e” to smooth, the correct term is always smooth.
This article will break down the differences, explore common misconceptions, and ensure you leave with a solid understanding of how to use smooth in your writing and speech.
The correct spelling is always smooth, not smoothe. While many mistakenly add an “e” to soften the word, smooth is both the adjective and verb form, describing something even, glossy, or free from roughness. Smoothe is a common error with no basis in modern English.
Understanding the Proper Spelling and Use of Smooth
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: smooth is the correct spelling, and smoothe is not recognized as a standard word in the English language.
Many people mistakenly believe that adding an “e” makes the word sound softer or more refined, but in reality, the “e” at the end of smoothe is simply an error.
Smooth as a Standard Word
- Adjective: Describes something that is even, without bumps, or free of roughness.
Example: “The surface of the table is smooth.” - Verb: Refers to the action of making something smooth, usually by rubbing or polishing.
Example: “She smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress.”
Defining Smooth as a Verb and an Adjective
Smooth as a Verb
As a verb, smooth means to make something more even or to remove imperfections. The action of smoothing often involves physical effort, such as rubbing or polishing. It can also refer to actions that reduce tension or conflict.
Examples of Smooth as a Verb:
- “She smoothed the fabric with her hands to remove the wrinkles.”
- “He tried to smooth things over after the argument.”
Smooth as an Adjective
When used as an adjective, smooth describes the texture or appearance of something. It suggests an absence of roughness or unevenness.
Examples of Smooth as an Adjective:
- “The road was smooth, making the drive very comfortable.”
- “Her skin felt smooth after using the lotion.”
The Correct Conjugations of Smooth
Unlike some irregular verbs, smooth is conjugated in a predictable and simple way. Let’s take a closer look at its various forms.
- Base form: smooth
- Past tense: smoothed
- Past participle: smoothed
- Present participle/gerund: smoothing
The correct conjugations follow the standard pattern of regular verbs, adding “-ed” in the past tense and present participle. This makes smooth straightforward to use in various tenses.
Examples:
- “She smoothed the surface of the wood yesterday.”
- “He is smoothing the edges of the paper right now.”
The Common Misconception: Smoothe Revealed
The word smoothe has been circulating in modern English, often as a mistake for smooth. However, this is simply a misconception based on a misunderstanding of English spelling conventions.
Why the ‘E’ Is Unnecessary
The idea that smoothe might be a valid spelling likely comes from old English forms or confusion with similar-sounding words that do end with an “e.” In the 16th and 17th centuries, some words, like love, were often written with an “e” at the end, but this was a feature of older English spelling. The addition of “e” in smoothe does not fit modern grammatical standards.
Smoothe in Modern Usage
Though some may use smoothe in an attempt to soften the word, it is not recognized in standard dictionaries. The correct and widely accepted form is smooth.
Exploring the English Language: Smooth vs. Other Similar Words
In English, smooth has a few close relatives that might lead to confusion, especially when comparing them in certain contexts. Let’s take a look at some of these terms:
Smooth vs. Sleek
While both words can describe something that is even or glossy, sleek often refers to something that looks stylish or well-groomed, especially in the context of people, animals, or even vehicles.
- Smooth: Refers more to texture and physical sensation.
Example: “The countertop is smooth to the touch.” - Sleek: Often used to describe something aesthetically pleasing and shiny.
Example: “The car had a sleek design with a shiny finish.”
Smooth vs. Polished
Polished implies a high level of finish or refinement, often associated with skill or effort.
- Smooth: More about the texture or surface quality.
- Polished: Refers to something that has been refined to a high standard, often used metaphorically.
Example: “Her polished performance earned her a standing ovation.”
Conjugation of Smooth
We’ve touched on this in an earlier section, but let’s take a moment to dive deeper into the conjugations of smooth to ensure you can use it with precision.
Present Tense
- “I smooth the edges of the paper every time I cut it.”
- “They smooth the fabric before stitching it together.”
Past Tense
- “She smoothed the surface of the table last night.”
- “He smoothed out the situation with a simple apology.”
Future Tense
- “I will smooth the wrinkles out of my shirt before the meeting.”
Present Participle
- “She is smoothing out the rough patches in her relationship.”
Smooth in Action: Examples of Correct Usage in Sentences
To further clarify the usage of smooth, here are some real-world examples that demonstrate its proper application.
Correct Usage as an Adjective:
- “The river was smooth, and the boat glided effortlessly.”
- “After the haircut, his hair looked sleek and smooth.”
Correct Usage as a Verb:
- “She smoothed her hands over the fabric to remove any creases.”
- “He worked hard to smooth out the wrinkles in their communication.”
Smoothe and Smoothen: Misuses in Modern Writing
In addition to smoothe, some people mistakenly use smoothen as a verb, which is unnecessary and incorrect.
The Nonexistent “Smoothen”
In standard English, smooth is both the noun and verb form, and there is no need to add an “en” to the verb. Smoothen might seem to be a logical verb form, but it is not grammatically accepted.
Incorrect: “She will smoothen the paper before folding it.”
Correct: “She will smooth the paper before folding it.”
Ensuring Linguistic Accuracy: The Importance of Correct Spelling in Communication
Correct spelling isn’t just about following grammatical rules—it’s crucial for clear, effective communication. Using words like smooth correctly ensures that your message is not only accurate but also professional and easy to understand.
Why Correct Spelling Matters:
- Credibility: Consistent, accurate spelling shows attention to detail.
- Clarity: Mistakes like using smoothe instead of smooth can confuse your audience.
- Professionalism: Proper spelling reflects well on your writing skills, whether it’s a casual blog post or a formal business email.
By mastering the correct usage of smooth, you’ll improve both your writing and your ability to communicate effectively.
Faqs
What’s the difference between “smooth” and “smoothe”?
“Smooth” is the correct spelling. “Smoothe” is an incorrect variation that many mistakenly use but is not recognized in modern English dictionaries.
When should I use “smooth” as a verb?
Use “smooth” as a verb when describing the action of making something even or free from wrinkles, such as smoothing a surface or smoothing out a problem.
Can “smoothe” be used in modern English?
No, “smoothe” is not recognized as a correct word in standard English. The proper term is always “smooth.”
Is “smoothen” a correct form of the verb “smooth”?
No, “smoothen” is incorrect. The verb form is simply “smooth,” with no “en” added.
What does “smooth” mean as an adjective?
As an adjective, “smooth” describes something that is even, glossy, or free from roughness, such as smooth skin or a smooth road.
Why do people mistakenly use “smoothe”?
The confusion likely arises from old English spelling conventions or the mistaken belief that the “e” softens the word, but modern English does not include “smoothe.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, smooth is the correct spelling, and smoothe is nothing more than a common mistake. Understanding the proper use of smooth, both as a verb and an adjective, will help you write and speak more clearly and accurately.
Remember, language is all about precision, and knowing when and how to use words like smooth can make all the difference in your communication.
Now that you have a deeper understanding of smooth, keep an eye out for other commonly confused words and continue to refine your language skills. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below!
