Vigor vs. Vigour — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Vigor and vigour mean the same, representing physical strength or energy; "vigor" is preferred in American English, while "vigour" is used in British English.
Difference Between Vigor and Vigour
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Vigor is the American English spelling of the word, emphasizing physical strength, robustness, or energetic activity. On the other hand, vigour is the British English spelling, which retains the original French-derived ending '-our' that is common in other English words like 'colour' and 'honour'. This version is used in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.
Vigor in American literature and publications is widely accepted and recognized as the correct form. American English typically favors more phonetic spellings which often result in the dropping of certain letters. Whereas vigour, in contexts outside of the United States, not only carries the same meanings of energy and enthusiasm but also reflects a linguistic identity that favors traditional spellings.
Vigor can be seen as part of a broader American English trend of linguistic efficiency and simplification, which includes changes like 'labor' instead of 'labour' or 'center' instead of 'centre'. Conversely, vigour is part of a linguistic tradition in British English that values historical spellings which have been preserved over centuries.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Vigor
Vigour
Region
United States
UK, Canada, Australia
ADVERTISEMENT
Linguistic Trend
Simplification
Historical preservation
Common Associations
Energetic, strong
Energetic, strong
Usage Example
American medical journals
British academic papers
Compare with Definitions
Vigor
Intensity or forcefulness of expression.
The speaker delivered her message with great vigor.
Vigour
Mental energy or vitality.
She approached her challenges with renewed vigour.
Vigor
Active growth or operation.
The economy is growing with vigor.
Vigour
Physical strength or good health.
He pursued his hobbies with unflagging vigour.
Vigor
Physical strength or good health.
After his recovery, he returned to work with renewed vigor.
Vigour
Legal force or validity.
The new policy will be implemented with full vigour.
Vigor
Mental energy or vitality.
She tackled her studies with vigor.
Vigour
Active growth or operation.
The garden blooms with the vigour of spring.
Vigor
Legal force or validity.
The law was enacted with full vigor.
Vigour
Intensity or forcefulness of expression.
His writing is marked by intellectual vigour.
Vigor
Physical or mental strength, energy, or force
Our vigor was depleted by the hot weather.
Vigour
Physical strength and good health
I was 79, but still full of vigour and vitality
He has managed to retain his youthful vigour
Vigor
The capacity for natural growth and survival, as of plants or animals.
Vigour
Variant of vigor.
Vigor
Strong feeling; enthusiasm or intensity
Argued his point with great vigor.
Vigour
Active strength or force of body or mind; capacity for exertion, physically, intellectually, or morally; energy.
Vigor
(American spelling) vigour
Vigour
(biology) Strength or force in animal or vegetable nature or action.
A plant grows with vigour.
Vigor
Active strength or force of body or mind; capacity for exertion, physically, intellectually, or morally; force; energy.
The vigor of this arm was never vain.
Vigour
Strength; efficacy; potency.
Vigor
Strength or force in animal or vegetable nature or action; as, a plant grows with vigor.
Vigour
An exertion of force;
He plays tennis with great energy
Vigor
Strength; efficacy; potency.
But in the fruithful earth . . . His beams, unactive else, their vigor find.
Vigour
Active strength of body or mind
Vigor
To invigorate.
Vigour
An imaginative lively style (especially style of writing);
His writing conveys great energy
Vigor
An exertion of force;
He plays tennis with great energy
Vigor
Active strength of body or mind
Vigor
An imaginative lively style (especially style of writing);
His writing conveys great energy
Common Curiosities
Can vigor and vigour be used interchangeably?
Yes, in terms of meaning, they can be used interchangeably, but the choice of spelling should consider the regional audience.
Where is the spelling "vigour" commonly used?
"Vigour" is commonly used in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.
Why does American English prefer the spelling "vigor"?
American English prefers "vigor" as part of a broader trend towards simpler and more phonetic spellings.
What is the main difference between vigor and vigour?
The main difference is spelling; "vigor" is used in American English, while "vigour" is preferred in British English.
Is there a preference for using vigor or vigour in scientific contexts?
In scientific contexts, the preference for spelling depends largely on the publication's country of origin; U.S. publications use "vigor," while British and Commonwealth publications prefer "vigour."
Which industries might prefer the use of vigor or vigour?
Industries like healthcare and law in the U.S. might prefer "vigor," while similar sectors in the UK and Commonwealth would use "vigour."
How did the different spellings of vigor and vigour come about?
The different spellings reflect broader differences between American and British English, influenced by trends in simplification in the U.S. versus historical preservation in the UK.
Does the use of vigor or vigour affect the interpretation of texts?
No, the use of either spelling does not affect the interpretation of texts as they mean the same thing.
How can non-native speakers remember which spelling to use?
Non-native speakers can associate "vigor" with American icons and "vigour" with British ones to remember the correct usage based on region.
Do vigor and vigour have the same definitions?
Yes, both spellings carry the same definitions relating to physical strength, energy, and intensity.
Are there synonyms that can replace vigor or vigour without confusion?
Yes, synonyms like energy, strength, and vitality can replace either spelling without confusion.
Does the choice between vigor and vigour reflect cultural differences?
Yes, the choice reflects linguistic and cultural differences between American and British English speakers.
How should writers choose between vigor and vigour in international texts?
Writers should consider their primary audience or follow the style guide of the publication for which they are writing.
What are common mistakes made with the use of vigor or vigour?
Common mistakes include using the American spelling in a British context and vice versa.
Are there any historical figures noted for discussing the differences between vigor and vigour?
While no specific figures are noted for discussing these differences, numerous linguists and lexicographers have contributed to understanding regional spelling variations.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Good vs. Excellent
Next Comparison
Skill vs. QualificationAuthor 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
Maham Liaqat
