What is the Difference Between Defence and Defense?

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The difference between "defence" and "defense" is due to the regional variations in the spelling of the same word, which refers to the act of protecting or defending something, the legal plea of a person on trial for a crime, or a sports position intended to prevent an opponent from scoring. The distinction between the two spellings is based on whether you are writing in UK or US English:

  • In British English, "defence" (with a "c") is standard.
  • In American English, "defense" (with an "s") is more common.

Some related words also have different spellings depending on the region:

  • In British English, "defenceless," "defenceman," or "defences" are correct spellings.
  • In American English, "defenseless," "defenseman," or "defenses" are correct spellings.

In summary, the difference between "defence" and "defense" depends on the regional context in which the word is used, with "defence" being the standard spelling in British English and "defense" being more common in American English.

Comparative Table: Defence vs Defense

The main difference between "defense" and "defence" is the spelling. Both words have the same meaning and are used to refer to the act of protecting or defending something. However, "defense" is the preferred spelling in American English, while "defence" is the preferred spelling in British English. Here is a table summarizing their usage:

Spelling Usage Example Sentences
Defense American English The US national team has a good offense but a bad defense.
Defence British English The English team has a good offense but a bad defence.

In summary:

  • "Defense" is used in American English.
  • "Defence" is used in British English.
  • Both words have the same meaning and are used to refer to the act of protecting or defending something.

By understanding the difference in spelling and using the correct term for your target audience, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.