Meter or Metre: Which one is Correct?

The words “meter” and “metre” are common English words used by many English learners around the world. These words hold the same meaning, which is generally defined as a unit of measurement. “Meter” is primarily used in the American English language, while “metre” is primarily used in British English. “Meter” and “metre” share the same pronunciation. However, these words have a slight difference in accent according to the language that the audience has. The word “meter” is articulated through the phonetic sound as/ˈmiː.t̬ɚ/ or in simpler illustration, “mee”+” ter”. The word “metre” is articulated with the phonetic sound as /ˈmiː.tər/ or “mee”+”tuh” in a simpler illustration. The words “meter” and “metre” are both pronounced with a defined stress in the first syllable. The distinction in accent comes in the 2nd syllable. The second syllable in the word “Meter” is properly articulated as /tr/ as in “later” while the 2nd syllable in the word “metre” is articulated in a slang sound /tuh/ as in “utah”. The words “meter” and “metre” are both associated with measurement. However, there are minimal distinctions in the specificity of their definition depending on the type of learners the audience is composed of. The word “meter” is a common word  to refer to all standard usages such as the measurement, the rhythmic structure of the poem, and measuring instruments, in  American English.  The term “metre” is the typical word for the unit of measurement and for poetic concepts. However, the word “meter” is still considered a correct spelling for British English learners when referring to names of measuring paraphernalia like gas meters, odometers, speedometers, and many more. 

Listed below are some of the sentence examples for the word “meter.”

• “If the establishment is not substantially nonflammable it must be located at least one meter from any potential conductor.” The word “meter” is used as a noun in the sentence. It indicates a suggested measurement of distance from a certain establishment to another to avoid fire incidents. The word “meter” is properly used in the sentence because it expresses the right thought and is used in the right grammar form. 
•  “The calibration of ammeters is best regulated by means of a series of standard low resistances and of a potentiometer.” 

Listed below are the sentence examples of the word “metre.”

• “He nailed a world record in the 100 metre sprint at the British national championships.”
• “The Eiffel tower in Paris is 330 metres tall and considered the tallest building structure in the city.” The sentences illustrated above are a representation of the word “metre” as used in a British English viewpoint.

The first two sentences are intended to illustrate the usage of the word “meter” in American English conversations. The first sentence example denotes a measurement of distance from a certain building to another. The second sentence example, on the other hand, refers to a specific measuring tool, ammeter, which is used to calculate current in amperes. The last two sentences mentioned previously are intended to illustrate the usage of the word “metre” in British English conversations. The 3rd sentence example expresses an idea that the subject has won in a British sprint competition whose distance is a hundred meters. The last sentence example talks about the famous historical structure in Paris whose length is about 330 meters. 

What is the Difference between “Meter” and “Metre”?

The difference between the words “meter” and “metre” is observed primarily in terms of their spelling. The obvious alteration of the placement of letter ‘e’ in both words indicate the variations of the words “meter” and “metre”. “Meter” is a preferred word by American English learners to indicate three purposes namely, the unit of measurement, the rhythmic structure of a poem, and the measuring instruments. The word “metre” on the other hand, is preferred by other English learners, especially the British people, for  two uses such as for unit of measurement and for poetic concepts. The word “meter” is used by both the American and the British English learners when referring to measuring instruments. The distinction of these words in spelling indicates that the words “meter” and “metre” have different accents. “Meter” is articulated as “mee” +”ter” while “metre” is pronounced as “mee”+”tuh”. The stress in pronunciation for both words are in the first syllable as “mee”. There is a need for a slang articulation in the 2nd syllable of the word “metre” to denote that it is a British English term. 

Do “Meter” and “Metre” mean the same thing?

Yes, the words “meter” and “metre” mean the same thing.  They are both defined as a unit of measurement which is equivalent to a thousand centimeters, in general. There is just a minimal variation in the relevance of the words when delivered to specific audiences like American English learners versus British English learners. American English learners enforce the word “meter” in their sentences and conversations when referring to a unit of measurement. It is used to denote the positioning of strong and weak stresses that produce the rhythm in lines of poetry, at the same time. Another purpose of the word “meter” is to indicate the instruments used for measurements and calculations such as speedometer and ammeter. British English learners utilize the word “metre” in their conversations and sentences when referring to a unit of measurement. It is sometimes used by British English learners to express poetic rhythm and stress.  However, the word “meter” is utilized by  British English learners as well, when referring to measuring instruments. 

How to Spell “Meter” and “Metre”?

 The words “meter” and “metre” are spelled almost the same.The sole factor that creates variation from these words in terms of pelling is the placement of letters ‘e’ and ‘r’.  “Metre” is spelled out as “m-e-t-e-r” as in “center” and “liter”. The term “metre” is spelled out as “m-e-t-r-e” just like centre and litre. Words ending in ‘er’ are normally associated with the American English language while words which end in letters ‘re’ are commonly connected with the British English language. These differences in spelling produce a variation in the way that these words are uttered. American English terms are known for having precise and defined articulation of words. The word “meter” is pronounced with a primary stress in the first syllable /mi/ or “mee” and a defined articulation in the 2nd syllable /t̬ɚ/ or “ter”. British English terms, on the other hand, are popular for having a peculiar pronunciation or exaggerated accent for  most English words that they use on a day to day basis. It is a standard which dated from centuries back during the early emergence of the English language. The word “metre” is pronounced with a primary stress in the first syllable /mi/ or “mee” just like the word “meter”. However, the variation comes in the second syllable. The last syllable of the word “metre”,  /tuh/,  is uttered in a slang way instead of articulating it in a defined manner. It is pronounced as /ˈmiː.tər/ just like the word “Utah”.

How to Use “Meter” in American English?

The word “meter” is used in American English by having American English learners as the audience in the first place. American English learners apply the word “meter” when referring to three things such as, a unit of measurement, a rhythm in poetry, and measuring instruments. The correct form of use for the word “meter” is as a noun, a transitive verb, and a noun combining word. The word “meter” is applied in various areas in society like in business, education, sales and marketing, technology and many more which makes it a word for daily life. “Meter” is first introduced as a unit of length in the metric system. It is regarded in the International Systems of Units or SI as being equivalent to approximately 39.31 inches. The term ”meter” came from the Middle English word “metre” which rooted from an Anglo-French word metrum and was borrowed from a Greek word métron  meaning measure or space measured.

Listed below are some of the sentence examples for the usage of the word “meter” in American English.

• “The taxi driver left the meter running while I ran in to pick up my belongings from my friend’s house”. The word “meter” is used in the sentence in a noun form. It refers to a certain device used to calculate a passenger’s fare according to the time he/she is inside a vehicle like a taxi. The sentence denotes that the driver of the vehicle has intentionally left the calculating device open even when the passenger is out for a short moment to  pick certain things.
• “A woman comes to read the gas meters  one at a time, to find out how much gas they have used in the delivery”. “Meter” is used in the sentence to denote a measuring instrument for gas. It is applied in the sentence as a noun. Notice that another noun is paired up with the word “meter” which makes them a phrase combination. The sentence actually implies that a female staff from a certain delivery company is checking the measuring devices to monitor the amount of gas consumed by the vehicles.
• “She surpassed all his contenders after winning the 3000 meter race held last week”. The term “meter” is used as a noun in the sentence as well. It refers to the unit of measurement in terms of distance which is equivalent to 10000 centimeters by default. The sentence implies that a certain athlete is able to exceed her competitors during a running contest whose distance is 3000 meters.
• “Many water companies are planning to meter water consumption during the Christmas season”. The word “meter” is used differently in the sentence above. It is used as a verb rather than as a noun. It means to supply in a measured or regulated amount. It is sometimes used to denote measuring by means of a meter. The sentence expresses an idea that establishments offering water supply are planning to regulate the amount of water that they provide to their consumers for the holiday season. 

How to Use “Metre” in British English?

The word “metre” is used in British English by taking into consideration the type of audience a speaker or writer has. “Metre” is mostly preferred and commonly used by British English learners. It is actually the British spelling of the term “meter”. It is applied in sentences when referring to the unit of measurement and rhythms of stresses in poetry. The correct form of use for the word “metre” is as a noun, either as a countable noun or as a variable noun. It is a  word for daily life because it has been a common word for most people especially in the British countries. It is used in various areas in society such as schools, offices, marketplaces, sales companies, healthcare institutions and even in simple households. The etymology of the word “metre” started from the word metron which means measure. It was further developed in Latin as metrum.

Listed below are some of the sentence examples for the word “metre” in British English.

• “The Australian Building Code requires balconies and barriers in household structure to be a metre high to avoid serious fall and lessen the occurrence of household injuries in the country”. The word “metre” is used in the sentence as a noun. It refers to a unit of measurement which is equivalent to a thousand centimeters. The phrase “a metre” simply means one meter. The sentence denotes that a certain law in Australia requires all household structures to have balconies and barriers which are 1 meter high for safety purposes.
• ”Many poems in Europe are written in traditional metres and rhyme schemes exhibiting a historical feel for most people who are inclined to arts and poetry”. The word “metre” is used in the sentence in a noun form. It refers to the placement of stresses in poetric rhythm. The sentence implies that a lot of poems written in Europe contain traditional placement of stresses in rhythm which reminds British audiences of their country’s historical preference  in terms of arts and poetry.
• “The Standedge Tunnel in the United Kingdom is one of the longest tunnels in the country measuring 4,979 metres long and 194 metres deep”. The sentence illustrates how to use the word “metre” as a unit of measurement in the British English language. It expresses an idea that one of the longest tunnels in the UK which is the Standedge tunnel is quite long and deep. The word “metre” is used as a unit of measurement in the sentence in a noun form.
• “The students must each write a poem in strict alliterative metre which needs to be submitted every twice a week”. The word “metre” is used as a noun in the sentence as well. It pertains to the positioning of stress in the rhythm of poems. The sentence implies that the students from a certain academy must create poems whose stresses and rhythm follow the format set in the alliterative metre. 

What are the Common Phrase Combinations of “Meter” and “Metre”?

Listed below is a table showing the common phrase combinations of the words “meter” and “metre”.

Listed below are the common phrase combinations of “humor” and “humour.”

There are no relevant differences in the meaning of the phrase combinations given above. Notice that they all refer to instruments or devices which measure certain types of data. American English learners and British English learners both use the word “meter” to indicate measuring instruments or tools. Gas meter, Laser distance meter, parking meter, fare meter and other measuring equipment are used and spelled with the word “meter” by most English speaking countries around the globe regardless of the region or accent. It is the sole area where American English learners and British English learners use the same spelling “meter” for the same reference. However, in cases where the speaker or writer pertains to other uses of the words”meter” or “metre”, the distinction in spelling takes place for different English learners. American English learners use the spelling “m-e-t-e-r” when referring to the unit of measurement and the rhythm in poetry.  British English learners, on the other hand, utilize the spelling “m-e-t-r-e” when referring to the mentioned purposes above.

What are the Example Uses of “Meter” in American Publications?

Listed below are some of the example uses of the word “meter” in American publications.

• Forbes: Forbes is a prominent American magazine published eight times a year. It is focused on business, finance, industry, investing and marketing. It houses articles relating  technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle as well. Forbes Magazine is co-owned by Integrated Whale Media Investment and the Forbes family. The word “meter” is used in one of its contents entitled “A Successful PR Strategy: 100-Meter Race, Marathon Or Both?” written by Florence Giuly-Davis.
• Chronicle of Philanthropy: The Chronicle of Philanthropy is a nonprofit magazine publication which publishes every month. Their magazine and website have been the leading source of news, opinions and relevant information for nonprofit individuals around America. The term “Meter” is found out to be applied on one of their articles entitled “Parking Meters Converted to Donation Boxes” created by an anonymous writer. It 
• The Wall Street Journal: The Wall Street Journal is the biggest newspaper publication in America with more than 2.2 million subscribers. It is the pioneering source of business and financial scoops. The Journal has expanded its content from news alone to the coverage of the arts, culture, lifestyle, real estate, sports and personal health. The word “meter” is applied in one of its resources in the commentary section which is entitled “Opinion: It’s Always the Time for Meter and Rhyme” written by Jane Shaw Stroup.
• The New York Times: The New York Times is another leading Newspaper publication in America. It is a globalized organization dedicated to improving society by producing, gathering, and dispensing high quality written contents. The word “meter” is enforced in one of its articles in the sports section entitled “Meter by Meter, a Rhythm Is Restored” which is written by Howard W. French. The article talks about how the spirit of vigor in sports is brought back into the hearts of every athlete.

What are the Example Uses of “Metre” in British Publications?

Listed below are some of the example uses of the word “metre” in British publications.

• Metro: Metro is a British newspaper dedicated to bringing relevant news updates and information to the young audiences. One of its goals is to secure the power of social web and young individuals while maintaining the journalistic legacy of a newspaper brand. The word “metre” is used in one of its resources entitled “Which countries have one-metre social distancing as UK considers reducing current two-metre rule?” written by Jack Slater which talks about the isolation policy of the UK during the course of the pandemic. 
• The Telegraph: The Telegraph is a multi-awarded newspaper brand that has been commended for its quality, authority, and integrity 165 years and counting. It is published by the Telegraph Media group together with The Sunday Telegraph newspaper. The word “metre” is applied in one of its articles entitled “Are you ready for the 20 million-metre challenge?” written by Fiona Tomas which talks about the women taking over the cycling sphere as a means of maintaining a healthy body, mental resilience and recreation.
• The Daily Mail: The Daily Mail is a traditional newspaper established in the year 1982 which is published in a tabloid format. It has an online sister platform named The Daily Online where news and other desired information is accessed immediately. The word “metre” is used in one of its articles titled with “Skewered! The miracle survival of boy, 12, who was speared by a metre-long metal pole” written by an anonymous Daily Mail Reporter. The article is about a teenager who got impaled by a metal post which length is one meter.
• The Argus.:The Argus is a local newspaper which specialize in dispersing news and information from the locality of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England. It covers politics, and sports, specifically about  the city’s biggest football organization, Brighton and Hove Albion Inc. “Metre” is enforced in one of its resources titled with “12-metre yacht rescued by RNLI after suffering engine failure” which is created by Christian Fuller It talks about how a yacht and its passengers were rescued by a reliable organization RNLI from several hours of being stranded in the sea. 

How to Use “Meter” or “Metre” for Content Marketing?

The words “meter” and “metre” are used for content marketing by first taking into consideration the language and learning standards of the desired audiences. The words “meter” and “metre” are used by different types of learners, although they both mean the same thing. “Meter” and “Metre” are words that are used to express thoughts pertaining to three specific things namely; as a unit of measurement, as the placement of stress in poetic rhythm, and as reference to instruments or tools which are used to measure certain data. The word “meter” must be used for American English audiences while the word “metre” must be enforced on sentences dedicated for British English audiences. These words are utilized and are made useful to content marketing through the process of search engine optimization. Content writers must be able to know when and how to use the following words in a sentence to optimize search engines and to promulgate effective content marketing. Content marketing is a tactical way of creating sales through producing and dispersing vital and real time content to desired audiences.It is a way to captivate and  preserve the clientele and eventually create better profit increase. Content writers and marketers must find themselves on the same page to generate quality and integrated content for better content marketing.

How does Accent Differences Affect Search Engine Optimization?

The accent differences affect Search Engine Optimization in a way that it changes the spelling of the words being applied in the content. As the accent of the word changes the spelling of the word changes as well. The change in spelling affects the optimization of such search engines, especially when the search engine is made available to more than one region having different language standards. That process is called Multilinguall and Multiregional SEO or Search Engine Optimization. One perfect example of the accent difference is the spelling analogy between  American English and British English terms. British English terms are known to have a different arrangement of letters ‘r’ and ‘e’ compared to AMerican English terms such as “meter” and “metre”. The change in placement of letters indicates that the region from where the audience is located has changed as well. Creating contents which are made accessible to different regions and different language types must abide by the specifications stated in the Multiregional SEO Guide. It is one way of creating relevant and high quality contents that meet the standards of effective search engine optimization. Search Engine Optimization is highly affected by the accent differences of words such as “metre” and “metre” which makes it very vital for content writers and content marketers  to have an adept knowledge  in research, analysis, and effective communication of thoughts.

What are the Similar Accent Differences such as “Meter and Metre”?

Listed below are some of the words having similar accent differences  such as “meter” and “metre”.

• “Theater” vs. “theatre”. The words “theater” and “theatre” are words related to “meter” and “metre”. They both refer to a certain building or structure where various presentations are exhibited. Notice the placement of the letters ‘r’ and ‘e’ in both terms. The word whose placement of letters is ‘e’ and ‘r’ in a respective manner , is an American English term while the other word having ‘r’ and ‘e’ on the ending is a British English word.  The word “Theater” is pronounced with three syllables “thee”+”uh”+”tr”. A stress must be articulated on the first syllable “thee” and the third syllable must be properly pronounced, such as the word “Peter” and “water”. The word “theatre” has the same syllables and same stress; however, the last syllable is pronounced as “tuh” in a quite slang way just like the word “Utah”.
• “Liter” vs “litre”. “Liter” and “litre” are synonymous words. They have the same meaning and just differ in spelling. They have different accent styles as well.T he words “liter” and “litre” refer to the metric unit of capacity which is equivalent to 1,000 centimeters. The word “liter” is the preferred word for American English learners while the word “litre” is the preferred word for British English learners. “Liter” is uttered the same way  as the word “meter” is uttered. Meanwhile, the word “litre” is pronounced the same way as the word “metre” is pronounced. The American English term “liter” is spelled as “l-i-t-e-r” while the British English term “litre” is spelled as “l-i-t-r-e”.
• “Sepulcher” vs “sepulchre”. The words “sepulcher” and “sepulchre” are words having the same meaning. These words are both defined as a small space, sometimes built of stone, from where a dead person is buried. The two main differences of these words are in terms of spelling and accent. The word which is spelled as “s-e-p-u-l-c-h-e-r” is the term commonly used by American English learners. It is pronounced in 3 syllables “seh”+”puhl”+”kr” having the primary stress in the first syllable. The last syllable is pronounced in a defined manner just as the word “acre”. The word “sepulchre” spelled as “s-e-p-u-l-c-h-r-e” is a common term for British English learners. It is articulated using three syllables “seh”+”puhl”+”kuh”. The primary stress is located on the first syllable but the last syllable is pronounced in a slangy manner  as”kuh” instead of “ker”.
• “Center” vs “centre”. The words “center” and “centre” are synonymous words having different spelling and accent. The word “center” is commonly preferred by American English learners while the word “centre” is normally used by British English learners. The difference of these words in terms of spelling is noticed on the last syllable of the words. “Center” is spelled as “c-e-n-t-e-r”. It is pronounced with the main stress on the first syllable “sen” and a definite articulation on the second syllable “ter” as in “Peter”. Meanwhile, The word “centre” is spelled as “c-e-n-t-r-e” whose syllables are “sen”+”tuh”. The primary stress is on the first syllable as well but the second syllable is articulated in a different way. The placement of the letters ‘r’ and ‘e’ in the word “cetre” signifies that it is a British English term which is therefor pronounced in a slang manner just as the word “Utah” is pronounced.

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Holistic SEO & Digital has been built by Koray Tuğberk GÜBÜR. Holistic SEO is the process of developing integrated digital marketing projects with every aspect including Coding, Natural Language Processing, Data Science, Page Speed, Digital Analytics, Content Marketing, Technical SEO, and Branding. Structured, Semantic Search Engine improves its ability to detect the real-world entities, today. Having a simple website is not enough anymore. To show that your brand is authoritative, trustworthy, and expert on its own niche, you need entity-based Search Engine Optimization Projects. Holistic SEO & Digital's main focus is on improving the brand's organic visibility and growth potential.

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