The English language exhibits notable variations across different regions, particularly between British English vs. American English. One prominent example of this linguistic divergence is the terminology used to describe the season following summer and preceding winter: “autumn” or “fall.” While both are correct, historical changes heavily influence their usage. This article delves into the etymological distinctions between these terms used on the respective sides of the Atlantic.
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“Autumn” or “fall”
The terms “autumn” and “fall” are in essence two sides of the same coin; both grammatically function as nouns and describe the season between summer and winter. This season commonly features colorful leaves, the first frost, rainy days, hot cocoa, pumpkin spice, and holidays such as Halloween and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) that are celebrated by many people all around the world.
“Autumn” is the preferred term in countries that use British English terminologies, such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand. This noun also occurs in American English, but is considered the more formal name for this season, which is why many Americans prefer the use of “fall.” Both terms can be used as synonyms, yet their usage depends on the regional preference.
British English
autumn
American English
fall
Even though both spellings are correct, the choice is based on the dialect of English used. To maintain consistency, it is recommended that you use the spelling that aligns with your chosen variant.
Examples of using “autumn” and “fall” as nouns
The various examples below will illustrate the linguistic variation of the noun “autumn/fall” in British and American English.
- British English: Autumn
- American English: Fall
- Autumn is the perfect time for cozy sweaters and warm drinks.
- The harvest festival takes place every autumn.
- Many animals prepare for the winter during autumn.
- Fall is the perfect time for cozy sweaters and warm drinks.
- The harvest festival takes place every fall.
- Many animals prepare for the winter during fall.
Etymology and origin
Both terms exist as a result of the natural progression of language and regional differences. Many English words have evolved differently in British and American English because of cultural factors, migration, and the inevitable divergence of the English language over time. “Autumn” and “fall” both allude to the same season, but have divergent cultural and historical contexts. In this section, we’ll explain each word’s origin and etymology.
In Old English, the season after summer was initially referred to as “harvest” since that was the time for gathering crops. As people moved from rural areas to towns, this term gradually lost its seasonal reference. “Autumn” originated from the Latin “autumnus” and was first recorded in the 14th century. It may have been influenced by the Etruscan root word “autu-,” which is similar to the Greek alphabet and has connotations of “passing of the year.” By the 1600s, “autumn” began to replace “harvest” in England to refer to the months from August through October, a transition that was reflected in the works of the poet and playwright Shakespeare.
After “autumn” found its place in common English vocabulary, poets were fascinated by the seasonal changes, leading to the association of “the fall of the leaf” in the 16th century. This period coincided with the rapid expansion of England’s empire when colonizers established colonies in the “New World” aka North America in the 1600s and the English language started to diverge from English to British English and American English. By the end of the 1600s, “autumn” in American English had been shortened to “fall,” inspired by the phrase “the fall of the leaf.” This linguistic shift also influenced the creation of the noun “waterfall.”
FAQs
Both “autumn” and “fall” refer to the season between summer and winter, characterized by cooler temperatures and falling leaves. The difference is that “autumn” is preferred in British English, and “fall” is more commonly used in American English, though “autumn” is also understood.
The meteorological definition of autumn/fall is September 1st to November 30th. Astronomically, it starts around September 22nd and ends around December 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere.
Yes, you can use “autumn” and “fall” as synonyms, depending on the regional preference of your audience. Both terms are correct and interchangeable in most contexts, though “fall” is more casual and commonly used in American English. In academic contexts, we suggest sticking to one term.
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