word choice - When is the correct time to use 'granter' or 'grantor'


We have a site where we have people grant each other favors. Within the site, we have copy that says when you grant someone a favor, "you are a 'x'". Should the person who grants a favor to another person be called a 'granter' or a 'grantor'?


It seems from looking at the dictionary that either would fit, but I'm wondering which one is the best to standardize on.



Answer



So this is essentially the difference between adding an -er to the end of a verb and using the special noun form of a verb (usually formed like -or).


Grant as a verb means:



To give over; to make conveyance of; to give the possession or title of; to convey; -- usually in answer to petition.



So granter would be someone who gives over.


Grantor has the specific meaning of:



A person who grants something



In this case, the two definitions seem to be nearly identical. Since the special noun form has a more specific and narrower meaning, I would say you should prefer it over the less specific and broader verbal form, as long as the meaning of the special noun form fits appropriately.


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