Locater vs. Locator — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 28, 2024
Locater is often considered a less common variant of locator, both referring to someone or something that locates. Locator is the preferred term in standard usage for indicating location.
Difference Between Locater and Locator
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Locater, while sometimes used, is a variant spelling that is much less common in contemporary English. It is occasionally seen in older texts or in certain dialects. Locator, on the other hand, is the standard term widely accepted and used in various contexts to denote a person or device that locates or finds something.
Locater's usage primarily appears in informal contexts or as a typographical error. It is less recognized by spell-check systems and less likely to be found in modern dictionaries. Locator, however, is universally recognized and used in both formal and informal language, including in technological and geographical settings.
In technical contexts, locater is rarely used to describe devices or software designed for tracking or finding locations. Locator, on the other hand, is frequently employed in such contexts, for example, in "store locator" on websites or "GPS locator" devices.
When it comes to SEO and web searches, using "locater" might result in reduced search visibility due to its uncommon usage and potential misspelling status. Locator, by contrast, is more likely to align with common search terms and thus, improve search engine optimization and visibility.
Despite the occasional appearance of "locater" in various texts, it's crucial for writers, editors, and language users to recognize that "locator" is the preferred term. This adherence ensures clarity, standardization, and the professional presentation of information.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Commonality
Less common, often seen as a typo
Widely used and recognized
Dictionary Presence
Rarely listed in modern dictionaries
Present in most, if not all, dictionaries
Technical Usage
Seldom used to describe devices or software
Commonly used for devices and software
SEO Relevance
Lower due to uncommon usage
Higher due to alignment with common searches
Language Standard
Considered non-standard or a variant
Accepted as the standard spelling
Compare with Definitions
Locater
Sometimes used in specific regional dialects.
In some local dialects, locater is still in use.
Locator
Present in navigation and mapping software.
GPS locators are essential for modern navigation systems.
Locater
Can be seen as a typographical error.
The sign outside the store spelled it as locater by mistake.
Locator
A term used in search engine optimization.
Adding a locator tool can improve a website's user experience.
Locater
A less common variant of locator.
The old manuscript used locater to describe the treasure finder.
Locator
A person or thing that locates something.
The locator beeped, indicating the lost phone's position.
Locater
May appear in informal contexts or personal writings.
His email mentioned a book locater service.
Locator
Widely accepted in professional and technical writing.
The manual included instructions for the electronic locator.
Locater
Occasionally used in historical texts.
Historical documents might reference a land locater for early settlers.
Locator
Used in technology for finding locations.
The store locator on the website helped customers find the nearest outlet.
Locater
To determine or specify the position or limits of
Locate Albany on the map.
Managed to locate the site of the old artists' colony.
Locator
One that locates, as a smartphone app that shows the locations of nearby services or attractions.
Locater
To find by searching, examining, or experimenting
Locate the source of error.
Locator
One who, or that which, locates.
I found the opening times for my local branch using the Web site's store locator.
Locater
To place at a certain location; station or situate
Locate an agent in Rochester.
Locator
(US) One who locates, or is entitled to locate, land or a mining claim.
Locater
To become established; settle
New businesses that have located in town.
Locator
(travel industry) The unique alphanumeric reference given to each travel booking.
Locater
Something which serves to locate
Locator
One who locates, or is entitled to locate, land or a mining claim.
Locater
A person who fixes the boundaries of land claims
Locator
A person who fixes the boundaries of land claims
Common Curiosities
Is "locater" a correct spelling?
While it can be found in use, "locator" is the preferred and standard spelling.
What is a locator?
A standard term for a person or device that finds or locates something.
Why is "locator" more common than "locater"?
"Locator" is recognized by standard dictionaries and used across various industries, making it more prevalent.
How does a locator work?
A locator typically works by using technology or methodologies to find positions or objects.
Are there locater apps or locator apps?
The correct term would be locator apps, used for finding locations or objects.
Is "locater" accepted in academic writing?
For academic and professional writing, "locator" is the accepted term.
How do I use "locator" in a sentence?
e.g., Use the online locator to find the nearest service center.
Can I use "locater" in formal writing?
It's advisable to use "locator" for clarity and standardization in formal contexts.
What is a locater?
A less common variant of locator, often considered a typo or regionalism.
Is there a difference in meaning between locater and locator?
No significant difference in meaning, but "locator" is the correct and common spelling.
Can "locater" be found in dictionaries?
It's rarely listed, with "locator" being the standard entry.
What industries use the term "locator"?
Industries like technology, navigation, real estate, and online retail commonly use "locator".
Do locater and locator have the same function?
Yes, both terms refer to something that locates, but "locator" is the correct usage.
Why might someone use "locater"?
It could be due to regional dialects, personal preference, or unawareness of the standard spelling.
How has the usage of "locater" and "locator" evolved?
"Locator" has remained the standard term, while "locater" has seen diminished use and is often considered incorrect.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Replicable vs. Replicatable
Next Comparison
Approach vs. ModelAuthor Spotlight
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.
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.
