Distil vs. Distill — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 12, 2024
"Distil" and "distill" are variant spellings of the same verb, meaning to purify a liquid by vaporizing it and then condensing the vapor. "Distill" is more common in American English, while "distil" is preferred in British English.
Difference Between Distil and Distill
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Key Differences
The process referred to by both "distil" and "distill" involves heating a liquid until it turns into vapor and then cooling the vapor back into a liquid form, effectively purifying or separating components based on their boiling points. This method is widely used in chemistry, the production of spirits, and the purification of water.
While "distill" is the spelling predominantly used in American English, "distil" finds its preference in British English contexts, aligning with other similar variances in spelling between these two versions of English, such as "traveling" (US) versus "travelling" (UK). Despite the spelling differences, the pronunciation and meaning of "distil" and "distill" remain consistent across English-speaking regions.
In scientific and industrial contexts, the terms are used interchangeably, and the choice of spelling often depends on the regional or institutional style guides. For instance, a scientific paper written by authors in the United States might prefer "distill," while their British counterparts would likely use "distil."
In the context of producing spirits, such as whiskey or vodka, the term is used to describe the process of extracting alcohol from a fermented liquid. The choice of spelling does not alter the understanding of the process or its outcome but rather reflects the linguistic preferences of the region or publication.
Both "distil" and "distill" carry the same connotations and associations, linked not just to the physical process but also to metaphorical uses, such as distilling complex ideas into their most essential parts. Regardless of spelling, the term evokes a sense of purity, refinement, and clarity, whether applied to liquids or concepts.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Preferred in British English
Preferred in American English
Meaning
To purify or separate by vaporization and condensation
Same as "distil"
Usage Context
Common in UK, Commonwealth, and Europe
Common in the US and countries following American English conventions
Pronunciation
Same for both spellings
Same for both spellings
Application
Chemistry, water purification, spirit production
Same as "distil"
Metaphorical Use
Used to denote the extraction of the essential meaning or most important aspects
Same as "distil"
Regional Preference
Non-US English-speaking regions
US English-speaking regions
Industrial and Scientific Use
Interchangeable depending on regional conventions
Interchangeable depending on regional conventions
Compare with Definitions
Distil
To purify a liquid by vaporizing and then condensing it.
They distil water to remove impurities.
Distill
Same as "distil," to purify or refine a substance.
The company distills crude oil into various fuels.
Distil
Applied metaphorically to mean extracting the essential aspects.
The author distils complex theories into accessible language.
Distill
Common in American English, especially in technical writing.
The American manual recommends distilling water before use.
Distil
Used in the production of spirits to extract alcohol.
Whiskey is made by distilling fermented grain mash.
Distill
Used in crafting spirits like gin and vodka.
Gin is distilled with juniper berries for flavor.
Distil
In scientific contexts, refers to separating mixtures.
The lab technician distils the solution to isolate the desired compound.
Distill
Denotes the process of simplifying or summarizing.
The teacher distills the lesson into key takeaways for the students.
Distil
Reflects British English spelling preferences.
The British textbook uses distil for the purification process.
Distill
Indicates a process of extraction and concentration.
The process distills the essence of the plant for medicinal use.
Distil
To subject (a substance) to distillation.
Distill
To subject (a substance) to distillation.
Distil
To separate (a distillate) by distillation.
Distill
To separate (a distillate) by distillation.
Distil
To increase the concentration of, separate, or purify by or as if by distillation.
Distill
To increase the concentration of, separate, or purify by or as if by distillation.
Distil
To separate or extract the essential elements of
Distill the crucial points of the book.
Distill
To separate or extract the essential elements of
Distill the crucial points of the book.
Distil
To exude or give off (matter) in drops or small quantities.
Distill
To exude or give off (matter) in drops or small quantities.
Distil
To undergo or be produced by distillation.
Distill
To undergo or be produced by distillation.
Distil
To fall or exude in drops or small quantities.
Distill
To fall or exude in drops or small quantities.
Distil
(transitive)
Distill
Standard spelling of distil
Distil
To exude (a liquid) in small drops; also, to give off (a vapour) which condenses in small drops.
Firs distil resin.
Distill
To drop; to fall in drops; to trickle.
Soft showers distilled, and suns grew warm in vain.
Distil
To impart (information, etc.) in small quantities; to infuse.
Distill
To flow gently, or in a small stream.
The Euphrates distilleth out of the mountains of Armenia.
Distil
To heat (a substance, usually a liquid) so that a vapour is produced, and then to cool the vapour so that it condenses back into a liquid, either to purify the original substance or to obtain one of its components; to subject to distillation.
Distill
To practice the art of distillation.
Distil
Followed by off or out: to expel (a volatile substance) from something by distillation.
Distill
To let fall or send down in drops.
Or o'er the glebe distill the kindly rain.
The dew which on the tender grassThe evening had distilled.
Distil
(obsolete) To dissolve or melt (something).
Distill
To obtain by distillation; to subject to a process of evaporation and subsequent condensation; to extract by distillation, as spirits, essential oil, etc.; to rectify; as, to distill brandy from wine; to distill alcoholic spirits from grain; to distill essential oils from flowers, etc.; to distill fresh water from sea water.
Distil
(intransitive)
Distill
To subject to distillation; as, to distill molasses in making rum; to distill barley, rye, corn, etc.
Distil
To fall or trickle down in small drops; to exude, to ooze out; also, to come out as a vapour which condenses in small drops.
Distill
To dissolve or melt.
Swords by the lightning's subtle force distilled.
Distil
To flow or pass gently or slowly; hence (figuratively) to be manifested gently or gradually.
Distill
To extract out and present the essence of; to shorten and refine; to present the essential elements of; - of ideas or texts.
Distil
To drip or be wet with some liquid.
Distill
Remove impurities from, increase the concentration of, and separate through the process of distillation;
Purify the water
Distil
To turn into a vapour and then condense back into a liquid; to undergo or be produced by distillation.
Distill
Undergo the process of distillation
Distil
See Distill.
Distill
Extract by the process of distillation;
Distill the essence of this compound
Distil
Undergo condensation; change from a gaseous to a liquid state and fall in drops;
Water condenses
The acid distills at a specific temperature
Distill
Undergo condensation; change from a gaseous to a liquid state and fall in drops;
Water condenses
The acid distills at a specific temperature
Distil
Extract by the process of distillation;
Distill the essence of this compound
Distill
Give off (a liquid);
The doctor distilled a few drops of disinfectant onto the wound
Distil
Undergo the process of distillation
Distil
Give off (a liquid);
The doctor distilled a few drops of disinfectant onto the wound
Common Curiosities
Which spelling should I use, "distil" or "distill"?
The choice depends on your regional English preference: "distil" for British English and "distill" for American English.
Are "distil" and "distill" pronounced differently?
No, both spellings are pronounced the same, despite the difference in spelling.
Do "distil" and "distill" carry the same connotations?
Yes, both spellings carry connotations of purity, refinement, and the extraction of essential qualities.
Is there a difference in meaning between "distil" and "distill"?
No, "distil" and "distill" are variant spellings of the same word with identical meanings and uses.
Can "distil" and "distill" be used in non-scientific contexts?
Yes, both terms are also used metaphorically to describe the process of extracting essential elements from non-physical things, like ideas.
Is the distillation process the same regardless of the spelling?
Yes, the distillation process is identical, whether referred to as "distil" or "distill."
What are common applications of distillation?
Distillation is used in the production of spirits, purification of water, and separation of chemical substances in laboratories.
Can distillation be used to purify sea water?
Yes, distillation can desalinate sea water by removing salt and other impurities, making it potable.
Is one spelling more correct than the other?
Neither spelling is more correct; it's purely a matter of regional convention and personal or institutional style.
How does distillation work?
Distillation works by heating a liquid to create vapor, then cooling the vapor to condense it back into liquid form, thus purifying or separating its components.
Can I use "distil" in an American publication?
While it's not incorrect, it's advisable to use "distill" in American publications to align with regional spelling norms.
Are there different methods of distillation?
Yes, there are several methods, including simple, fractional, and vacuum distillation, each suited to different types of mixtures and purposes.
How does the choice of "distil" vs. "distill" reflect on a writer's style?
The choice can reflect the writer's adherence to regional language norms and attention to the intended audience's preferences.
Is distillation an effective method for purifying all liquids?
While distillation is highly effective for many liquids, it may not be suitable for substances with very similar boiling points or those that decompose upon heating.
Has the preference for "distil" or "distill" changed over time?
Language and spelling preferences evolve, but "distil" and "distill" have remained consistent in their respective regions for a considerable time.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
