american english - Is there any difference between "offense" and "offence"?


"Offense" vs. "offence", which is more correct? If both are correct, are there any differences in shades of meaning and/or usage?



Answer



There is no difference in meaning between offence and offense. They're exactly the same in all their definitions. The difference is that offense is the preferred spelling in American English, while offence is preferred in British, Indian, Canadian, and Australian English.


These American publications use offense:



The veteran tight end never found a home in Mike Martz’s offense and was inactive for all but five games. [Chicago Sun-Times]


If people take offense at hackneyed phrases it’s because they’re hackneyed . . . [The Atlantic]



And these non-American publications use offence:



Both offences can exploit some areas that play to their strengths. [CBC]


Parents who fail to keep air guns away from their children will be fined up to £1,000 under a new offence from next month. [Telegraph]


Pulpit choice gives offence [Sydney Morning Herald]



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