Worshiped vs. Worshipped — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
"Worshiped" and "worshipped" both refer to the act of revering a deity, but "worshiped" is the American English spelling, while "worshipped" is preferred in British English.
Difference Between Worshiped and Worshipped
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In American English, the verb "worship" is typically conjugated with a single 'p' when forming the past tense, resulting in "worshiped." Whereas in British English, it is common to double the 'p' before adding the suffix, thus spelling it as "worshipped."
The spelling "worshiped" follows the general American English pattern of simplifying spellings, such as dropping letters that are not pronounced. On the other hand, "worshipped" follows the British rule of doubling the final consonant when the verb ends in a single vowel followed by a consonant, and the stress is on the final syllable.
The use of "worshiped" can be seen in American publications, books, and other media. Conversely, "worshipped" is more likely to appear in texts from the UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries where British English conventions are followed.
While "worshiped" and "worshipped" reflect regional spelling preferences, they are both understood globally and accepted in different English-speaking communities, depending on the audience's familiarity with either American or British English conventions.
It's important for writers and editors to be consistent with the use of either "worshiped" or "worshipped" within the same document or series of works to maintain stylistic consistency, especially in formal writing and publications.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Region
American English
British English
Consonant Doubling
No doubling of 'p'
'p' is doubled
Typical Usage
Used in the United States
Used in the UK, Canada, Australia
Stress Pattern
Does not influence spelling
Double consonant due to stress pattern
Example
"He worshiped quietly."
"He worshipped quietly."
Compare with Definitions
Worshiped
Engaged in religious ceremonies.
They worshiped together during the festival.
Worshipped
Admired or loved intensely.
The leader was worshipped by his followers.
Worshiped
Offered prayers or rituals.
He worshiped at the cathedral every Sunday.
Worshipped
Participated in acts of religious praise.
They worshipped quietly in the corner.
Worshiped
Shown profound religious devotion.
The shrine where they worshiped remains a place of tranquility.
Worshipped
Demonstrated devotion or reverence.
He has always worshipped in that church.
Worshiped
Past tense of worship, meaning to honor or revere typically a deity.
They worshiped the gods with fervor.
Worshipped
Expressed or showed reverence through actions.
They worshipped through song and dance.
Worshiped
Celebrated with extreme admiration.
The artist was worshiped by fans across the globe.
Worshipped
Past and past participle of worship in British English, meaning revering a deity.
She worshipped at the ancient temple.
Worshiped
The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.
Worshipped
The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.
Worshiped
The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed
A chapel where worship is held daily.
Worshipped
The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed
A chapel where worship is held daily.
Worshiped
Ardent admiration or love; adoration
The worship of celebrities.
Worshipped
Ardent admiration or love; adoration
The worship of celebrities.
Worshiped
Often Worship Chiefly British Used as a form of address for magistrates, mayors, and certain other dignitaries
Your Worship.
Worshipped
Often Worship Chiefly British Used as a form of address for magistrates, mayors, and certain other dignitaries
Your Worship.
Worshiped
To honor and love as a deity.
Worshipped
To honor and love as a deity.
Worshiped
To regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion.
Worshipped
To regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion.
Worshiped
(US) worship
Worshipped
(British) worship
Worshipped
Regarded with deep or rapturous love (especially as if for a god);
Adored grandchildren
An idolized wife
Common Curiosities
Do dictionaries list both 'worshiped' and 'worshipped'?
Yes, most English dictionaries list both spellings, often noting the regional usage.
Why does British English often double consonants in words like 'worshipped'?
British English doubles consonants when a verb ending in a consonant is preceded by a single vowel and the stress is on the last syllable.
Is there a difference in meaning between 'worshiped' and 'worshipped'?
No, there is no difference in meaning, only in regional spelling preference.
How should I decide whether to use 'worshiped' or 'worshipped' in my writing?
Choose based on the primary audience of your text; use "worshiped" for American audiences and "worshipped" for British or international audiences familiar with British English.
What is the difference between 'worshiped' and 'worshipped'?
"Worshiped" is the American English spelling, while "worshipped" is used in British English.
Can using 'worshiped' in a British English text be considered incorrect?
Yes, it would typically be considered a spelling mistake in a strictly British English context.
Is there a preference for 'worshiped' or 'worshipped' in online content?
It tends to follow the predominant audience's language norms; American websites often use "worshiped," while British sites use "worshipped."
Can both 'worshiped' and 'worshipped' be used interchangeably?
Yes, both can be understood globally but should match the regional language norms of the text.
What are some examples of other words that follow similar spelling variations?
Examples include "canceled" (AmE) vs. "cancelled" (BrE) and "modeled" (AmE) vs. "modelled" (BrE).
Which spelling should be used in academic writing?
It depends on the style guide being followed; APA Style, for instance, follows American English, whereas MLA can be adapted to either.
Are there any rules about when to use 'worshiped' and 'worshipped'?
The rule primarily relates to regional English usage; there's no rule based on the context of the sentence.
Will English learners be marked wrong for mixing up 'worshiped' and 'worshipped'?
It may depend on the context of the test or class; however, it’s important for learners to be aware of these differences.
How has the spelling of words like 'worshiped' evolved over time?
Spelling conventions have changed with language standardization, influenced by dictionaries and education systems.
Why is consistency important in using either 'worshiped' or 'worshipped'?
Consistency in spelling within a document maintains professionalism and reduces reader distraction.
What are some tips for remembering which spelling to use?
Remembering that "worshiped" is shorter can align with the American English trend towards simpler, shorter spellings.
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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.
Edited 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.
