Colleague Or Collegue – How To Spell It Correctly

In academic writing, correct spelling is essential, since spelling mistakes can lead to confusion and hinder clear communication. Spelling mistakes frequently arise as a result of disparities in spelling regulations of similar words among various languages across the globe. A common error is the word “colleague” or “collegue.” The following article will provide all the information you need to know about this spelling issue.

The correct spelling of “colleague”

The word “colleague” functions as a noun, and its only correct spelling is with the addition of an “a.” It derives from the Latin word “collega,” meaning “partner in office.” In the early 16th century, it changed to “collègue,” which got adopted into the English language as “colleague.” This noun refers to a person with whom you work, typically in the same profession or business.

The reason for this common spelling mistake might be due to the French word being spelled “collegue.” English spelling can also be inconsistent; thus, some words may not be spelled the way they sound. This phonetic confusion can lead people to spell words based on how they sound rather than their correct spelling.

Mnemonic for spelling “colleague”

Even though it’s difficult to spell “colleague,” there’s a good way to remember the correct spelling.