Appal vs. Appall — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Appal" and "appall" both refer to causing dismay or horror, but "appal" is the British spelling, whereas "appall" is preferred in American English.
Difference Between Appal and Appall
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Key Differences
"Appal" is commonly used in British English to express the action of shocking or causing dismay due to something dreadful or horrifying. On the other hand, "appall" is the spelling more frequently used in American English, conveying the same sense of shocking or horrifying someone.
While "appal" might appear in British literature and communications, highlighting the regional spelling preference, "appall" is typically found in American books, media, and other written materials, reinforcing the American English standard.
In academic settings, students in the UK are taught to use "appal," which aligns with other British English spelling conventions. Conversely, in the United States, students learn to spell it as "appall," consistent with American orthographic norms.
When it comes to usage in digital content, British websites and online publications tend to use "appal." However, American digital platforms overwhelmingly prefer the spelling "appall."
Both "appal" and "appall" can be found in dictionaries; however, dictionaries based in the UK may list "appal" as the primary entry, whereas US-based dictionaries often prioritize "appall."
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Comparison Chart
Regional Preference
British English
American English
Common Usage
British literature
American literature
Academic Teaching
UK schools
US schools
Digital Content
British websites
American websites
Dictionary Listings
Primary in UK
Primary in US
Compare with Definitions
Appal
To dismay or horrify.
The extent of the disaster would appal anyone.
Appall
To cause to feel shock.
The news of the tragedy appalled the community.
Appal
To cause to feel shock.
The news of the tragedy appalled the community.
Appall
To fill with consternation.
His cruel words appalled his friends.
Appal
To upset or distress greatly.
She was appalled by the lack of sympathy.
Appall
To upset or distress greatly.
She was appalled by the lack of sympathy.
Appal
To fill with consternation.
His cruel words appalled his friends.
Appall
To shock or dismay at something very unpleasant.
I am appalled at your behavior.
Appal
To shock or dismay at something very unpleasant.
I am appalled at your behavior.
Appall
To dismay or horrify.
The extent of the disaster would appall anyone.
Appal
Greatly dismay or horrify
Bankers are appalled at the economic incompetence of some ministers
Appall
To fill with horror and amazement; dismay greatly
"I was ... appalled by how my supposedly all-knowing professor could have made such hurtful mistakes" (Molly Worthen).
Appal
Alternative spelling of appall
Appall
(transitive) To fill with horror and/or indignation; to dismay.
The evidence put forth at the court appalled most of the jury.
Appal
Strike with disgust or revulsion;
The scandalous behavior of this married woman shocked her friends
Appall
To make pale; to blanch.
Appal
Fill with apprehension or alarm; cause to be unpleasantly surprised;
I was horrified at the thought of being late for my interview
The news of the executions horrified us
Appall
To weaken; to reduce in strength
Appall
To grow faint; to become weak; to become dismayed or discouraged.
Appall
To lose flavour or become stale.
Appall
To make pale; to blanch.
The answer that ye made to me, my dear, . . . Hath so appalled my countenance.
Appall
To weaken; to enfeeble; to reduce; as, an old appalled wight.
Wine, of its own nature, will not congeal and freeze, only it will lose the strength, and become appalled in extremity of cold.
Appall
To depress or discourage with fear; to impress with fear in such a manner that the mind shrinks, or loses its firmness; to overcome with sudden terror or horror; to dismay; as, the sight appalled the stoutest heart.
The house of peers was somewhat appalled at this alarum.
Appall
To grow faint; to become weak; to become dismayed or discouraged.
Appall
To lose flavor or become stale.
Appall
Terror; dismay.
Appall
Strike with disgust or revulsion;
The scandalous behavior of this married woman shocked her friends
Appall
Fill with apprehension or alarm; cause to be unpleasantly surprised;
I was horrified at the thought of being late for my interview
The news of the executions horrified us
Common Curiosities
Which spelling is correct in academic writing in the US?
In academic writing in the US, "appall" is the correct spelling.
Is "appal" used in American English?
"Appal" is less common in American English, which prefers the spelling "appall."
Which spelling should I use in the UK?
In the UK, it is standard to use "appal."
Can "appal" and "appall" be used interchangeably in poetry?
Yes, in poetry, either spelling can be used depending on the poet's preference or regional style.
Do "appal" and "appall" have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same way.
What does "appal" mean?
Appal means to shock or cause dismay, often in response to something unpleasant or shocking.
What does "appall" mean?
Appall also means to shock or cause dismay, similar to "appal."
How do dictionaries treat "appal" and "appall"?
UK dictionaries often list "appal" as the primary spelling, while US dictionaries favor "appall."
What part of speech are "appal" and "appall"?
Both words are verbs.
Are there any synonyms for "appal" and "appall"?
Yes, synonyms include horrify, shock, and dismay.
Can "appal" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "appal" can be used in formal writing, particularly in British English.
Is "appal" becoming more common in American English?
No, "appal" remains less common compared to "appall" in American usage.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
