There are many different dictionaries out there. The Chicago Manual of Style recommends using Merriam-Webster dictionaries. (The Chicago Manual of Style §7.1) EFC uses Merriam-Webster dictionaries for American spellings, Oxford English Dictionary for British English, and Macquarie Dictionary for Australian spellings.

If I can’t find a word in one of these dictionaries, then I will look at Macmillan Dictionary, Collins, American Heritage, and a few others.

Here’s the thing, find a dictionary and stick with it. If you can support your spelling choices, then you are good to go.

 


 

 

** This post first appeared on EFC Services, LLC (efcservicesllc.com) on July 23, 2020.