Catalog vs. Catalogue

English is a language used in various countries and those countries have made modifications to the language according to their own requirements. Those modifications include changing spellings of numerous words including the pair we will be discussing today; Catalog and catalogue.

With the help of this article, I will illustrate the difference between the two words, highlighting their contextual meanings. At end, I would explain a useful trick to help you utilize them accurately in your writing instantly.

Origin:

The word catalogue originated from late Middle English: via Old French from late Latin catalogus, from Greek katalogos, from katalegein ‘pick out or enrol’.

Catalogue as noun:

The word catalogue is used as a noun in English language where it means a complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or other systematic order, in particular. A list of all the books or resources in a library is a catalogue.

Catalogue is also a list of works of art in an exhibition or collection, with detailed comments and explanations.

Catalogue as verb:

The word catalogue is also used as a verb which means to make a systematic list of (items of the same type).

To enter (an item) in a catalogue is also termed as catalogue.

The word catalogue with a ‘u’ is used in British English. It is used in the same way as the word catalog; as a verb and a noun both.

Example:

Use of catalog:

Only in the late 19th century, with the movement in the U.S. to develop a uniquely American form of the language, did catalog begin to make a comeback. It was not one of the original American spellings, though; the word is listed as catalogue in all early editions of Noah Webster’s dictionary, which played a large role in conventionalizing many other uniquely American spellings. By the 1890s, however, instances of catalog are easily found in all sorts of American texts.

Examples:

Catalog or catalogue:

Both the words have similar meaning and similar usage. The difference only occurs in the way the words are spelled as catalog is preferred in American English while catalogue is in Britain. Remember, catalogue with an alphabet ‘U’ is used in British language just like the word favourite with a ‘U’ is.