Savior vs. Saviour

Languages can shift over time, even in different parts of the world. Many differences in spelling and usage have grown prominent between British and American English. Saviour and savior, for instance, are American and British English spellings of the same word.

Consider the sentences:

Here comes my savior.

Here comes my saviour.

Now which of these two sentences is correct? Both? None? Or first? This is all the magic of differences in spellings of the same words and in order to learn this magic you have to read on and we assure you that you will master it.

Origin:

The word savior originated from Middle English: from Old French sauveour, from ecclesiastical Latin salvator (translating Greek sōtēr ), from late Latin salvare ‘to save’.

Savior as noun:

Savior is used as a noun in English language which means a person who saves someone or something from danger or difficulty.

Politicians of the era usually portray themselves as the nation's saviors.

Use of saviour:

Saviour are the oldest and original spellings of the word and they are used in Britain, Canada and Australia. If you are writing for British audience, be sure to follow these spellings in your article.

Examples:

With a little love, Nuke has gone from bad behaviour to animal saviour. [Calgary Herald]

But our saviour, the slayer of our enemy in the closing scenes of last week’s great western, is haemorrhaging influence at a critical rate. [Independent]

Technology will have a role, but it cannot be Asia’s saviour alone. [Sydney Morning Herald]

Use of savior:

Savior are the new spellings of the word and like many differences in American and British English, these spellings omit the u of the word making it easier to pronounce. These spellings are widely used in North America and were given by Noah Webster.

Examples:

The clamor to boost housing as an economic savior is especially odd because we’ve tried this before with dire or fruitless results. [Wall Street Journal]

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. [quoted on CNN]

I never understood the notion that Mitch Daniels was going to be our savior. [National Review]

Savior or saviour:

In American English, savior is the preferred spelling of the noun referring to (1) a person who rescues another from danger, or (2) Jesus. All other main varieties of English use saviour. When savior or saviour refers to Jesus, the word is usually capitalized in much the same way Christians tend to capitalize God.