Fulfil or Fulfill: Which is Correct?

Spelling can be a tricky business, and the English language is particularly known for its inconsistencies. One of the most commonly confused words is “fulfill” and “fulfil.”

In this article, we will be discussing the difference between two commonly confused words: “fulfill” and “fulfil.”

Both words are correct spellings of the same word, which means “to put into effect,” “to achieve,” “to carry out,” or “to realize.” However, the spelling you use depends on which English-speaking country you are from.

In the United States, “fulfill” is the standard spelling, while in the United Kingdom and Australia “fulfil” is used.

Fulfill vs fulfil

The origins of the word “fulfill” and “fulfil” can be traced back to the Old English word “fullfyllan,” which means “to fill full.” Over time, the word has undergone several changes in spelling, leading to the two different spellings we see today. In American English, “fulfill” is the standard spelling, while in British English “fulfil” is used. This applies to Australian English and other similar dialects.

It’s important to note that both spellings have a single “l” in the middle, thus spellings like “fullfill” or “fullfil” will always be mistakes and need correcting.

When it comes to usage, “fulfill” and “fulfil” have the same meaning, which is “to put into effect,” “to achieve,” “to carry out,” or “to realize.” We use “fulfill” to say that we did something we promised, that we carried out a duty, or that we realized or put into effect something that someone entrusted us to do.

Here are some examples of “fulfill” and “fulfil” in different contexts:

• “I promise to fulfill my duties as a student.” (American English)
• “I promise to fulfil my duties as a student.” (British English)
• “The company is working hard to fulfill its promise of delivering the products on time.” (American English)
• “The company is working hard to fulfil its promise of delivering the products on time.” (British English)

Is it fulfill or fill?

The word “fulfill” and “fill” are two different words with different meanings. “Fulfill” is a verb that means “to meet a promise, expectation, or requirement,” “to carry out a duty,” or “to realize or put into effect something that someone entrusted us to do”. On the other hand, “fill” is a verb that means “to make or become full,” “to put something into a container until it is full,” or “to occupy or take up an amount of space.”

Examples:

• “I promise to fulfill my duties as a parent.”
• “He filled the glass with water.”

So, “fulfill” is used to indicate that you have met a promise, duty or achieve something, while “fill” is used to indicate that you have put something into a container or occupied a space.

What is the British spelling for fulfillment?

In British English, the spelling for “fulfillment” is “fulfilment”. The word “fulfilment” refers to the state or act of fulfilling a promise, a duty or a need. It is the noun form of the verb “fulfil”.

Examples:

• “The company’s goal is to provide customer fulfilment.”
• “The fulfilment of his dream was the greatest achievement of his life.”

It’s worth noting that the spelling of the noun form of “fulfill” and “fulfil” is not consistent across all dialects, in American English is spelled as “fulfillment”. As with any language, it’s good to check the spelling with the context and audience you are writing for.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “fulfill” and “fulfil” are two correct spellings of the same word, but the spelling you use depends on which English-speaking country you are from. “Fulfill” is the standard spelling in American English, while “fulfil” is used in British English. It’s important to note that both spellings have a single “l” and single “f” in the middle.

I hope this article has helped clear up any confusion you may have had about the spellings of “fulfill” and “fulfil.” Remember, the correct spelling depends on the dialect you are using, and both spellings have the same meaning. Happy writing!