Cemetery Or Cemetary – How To Spell The Word Correctly

Spelling mistakes are a common challenge for many English learners and even native speakers. A commonly misspelled word is “cemetery,” often mistakenly written as “cemetary.” Despite their similar appearance, only one is correct, and mastering these small details is essential for clear and professional writing. In this article, we’ll explore the correct spelling and its origins to help you avoid this common error.

The correct spelling of “cemetery”

The correct spelling is “cemetery” with three E’s. It functions as a noun, referring to a burial ground where people are laid to rest. The word “cemetery” originates from the Greek word “koimeterion,” meaning “sleeping place,” which was later adapted into Late Latin as “coemeterium,” and eventually into the English language. Its spelling, derived from these ancient languages, has remained relatively consistent, which can make it tricky for today’s learners to remember.

People often misspell cemetery as cemetary because the pronunciation of the word can be misleading. In speech, the middle syllable sounds like “A” rather than “E,” causing confusion when trying to write the word. Additionally, many English words follow a pattern where the “A” sound in the middle is spelt with the letter “A,” e.g., “necessary,” “secretary,” and “anniversary,” leading people to mistakenly apply that pattern here.