Appal vs. Appall – What’s the Difference? A Complete Guide

The English language can feel confusing, especially when a word has two identical spellings that appear almost the same but differ by region. In the debate of Appal vs Appall, I often found myself hesitating before writing, unsure which was correct. Both versions are recognized in dictionaries, and each follows unique standards depending on where you live or which conventions you adopt. This understanding made me appreciate how adaptable language truly is. When I began studying British English, my teacher clarified that appal is the preferred form, while appall is more common in American usage.

Understanding the Meaning of “Appal” / “Appall”

At their core, both appal and appall mean the same thing:

To greatly dismay, shock, or horrify someone.

It’s a verb that expresses a strong emotional reaction to something disturbing or unpleasant.

For example:

• “The violence of the attack would appal/appall anyone.”
• “She was appalled at the injustice.”

Both spellings carry this meaning without difference.

Synonyms of Appal/Appall

The word has a range of synonyms that give more context:

• Horrify
• Shock
• Dismay
• Outrage
• Disgust
• Offend
• Disturb

Each synonym highlights a nuance of the emotion, but appal/appall is usually stronger than just “surprise” or “displease.”

Usage in Modern English

Today, appal/appall is commonly used in:

• Journalism: “The government’s decision has appalled citizens nationwide.”
• Literature: “It would appal even the bravest knight.”
• Everyday speech: “The idea of wasting food appalls me.”

Origins and Etymology

The story of why we have two spellings starts with the history of the word itself.

• The word comes from Old French apalir, meaning “to grow pale.”
• It entered Middle English in the 14th century as appallen, meaning “to weaken or make pale with fear.”
• Early spellings varied: appale, appall, appal.

The connection with paleness reflects the physical reaction people often have when shocked or horrified.

Over time, English simplified spellings. But in this case, two versions survived:

• Appal (British)
• Appall (American)

Why Spelling Variations Exist

The main reason behind spelling differences like appal vs. appall is the divergence between British and American English.

Noah Webster’s Influence

In the early 19th century, Noah Webster, the American lexicographer, sought to create a distinct form of English for the United States. He promoted simplified and phonetic spellings in his dictionaries.

• British English: colour, travelled, appal
• American English: colour, travelled, appall

This explains why Americans often double consonants where the British don’t.

The Rule of Doubling Consonants

In American spelling:

• A stressed vowel followed by a consonant often leads to a doubled consonant.
• Hence: appall, enroll, fulfill.

In British spelling:

• Single consonant endings are more common.
• Hence: appeal, enrol, fulfil.

Appal vs. Appall in Different Variants of English

British English Preference

• The Oxford English Dictionary lists appal as the standard spelling.
• The Cambridge Dictionary also prioritizes appal.
• In UK newspapers like The Guardian or The Times, appeal dominates.

Example:

“The cruelty of the policy will appal millions across Britain.” – The Guardian

American and Canadian English Preference

• Merriam-Webster and American Heritage Dictionary list appall as standard.
• The Chicago Manual of Style prefers appall.
• American publications like The New York Times or Washington Post consistently use appall.

Example:

“The findings continue to appall medical experts.” – The New York Times

Canada, though influenced by both traditions, leans toward the American appall.

Other Variants (Australian, New Zealand, Indian English)

• Australian and New Zealand English: follow British spelling → appal.
• Indian English: officially follows British rules, so appal is correct in formal writing, though appall sometimes appears informally.

Example Sentences

British English Examples (Appal)

• “The brutality of the regime would appal the international community.”
• “Such dishonesty can only appal voters.”

American English Examples (Appall)

• “It would appall her parents if they knew the truth.”
• “The chaos continues to appall officials at every level.”

Table: Quick Comparison of Usage

Region	Preferred Spelling	Example Sentence
United Kingdom	Appal	“The hypocrisy will appal critics.”
United States	Appall	“The decision seemed to appall the board.”
Canada	Appall	“The corruption scandal appalled Canadians.”
Australia/NZ	Appal	“The violence will appal the nation.”
India	Appal (formal)	“The cruelty would appal the public.”

Inflections and Common Forms

One advantage here: both spellings share the same inflections.

• Present tense: appal/appall
• Past tense: appalled
• Present participle: appalling
• Adjective: appalling
• Noun (rare): appallment

Appalling as an Adjective

• Means “dreadful, shocking, or terrible.”
• Often used in media reports:
  • “Appalling conditions in refugee camps.”
  • “An appalling lack of leadership.”

Appalled in Past Tense

• Describes the emotional reaction: horrified, shocked, disgusted.
• Example:
  • “She was appalled by the treatment of workers.”
  • “They were appalled at the corruption.”

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Writers often fall into traps when dealing with appal/appall:

• Thinking one spelling is wrong – Both are correct, but context matters.
• Mixing spellings in one text – This breaks consistency and looks unprofessional.
• Using appalling too casually – The word implies something serious, not mild annoyance.

Example of misuse:

• ❌ “The food was slightly cold. Absolutely appalling!”
• ✅ “The hygiene conditions in the restaurant were appalling.”

Style Guide and Usage Recommendations

Professional writing requires consistency and audience awareness.

• For UK, Australia, New Zealand, India: Use appal.
• For the US and Canada: Use appall.

If your audience is international, choose one form and stick to it throughout.

Quick Style Guide:

Audience	Preferred Form	Reference Style
UK/AUS/NZ/India	Appal	Oxford English Dictionary
US/Canada	Appall	Merriam-Webster, AP Stylebook
Mixed Audience	Pick one form and be consistent	Consistency is key

Case Study: Media Usage

A short analysis of how the spelling appears in major media outlets:

• BBC News (UK): “The figures will appal the public.”
• The Guardian (UK): “It would appal readers to learn of the cover-up.”
• The New York Times (US): “These revelations continue to appall experts.”
• Washington Post (US): “It would appall voters across the country.”

This shows that each media outlet consistently sticks to its national spelling standard.

Conclusion

The difference between Appal vs Appall shows how beautifully flexible the English language can be. Both spellings share the same meaning and emotional tone – expressing shock or disgust – yet they reflect subtle differences between British and American writing habits. Over time, writers and learners alike have learned that language variation isn’t an error but a representation of regional standards and identity. By understanding these nuances, we gain a deeper respect for how languages evolve and adapt. The key is to maintain consistency once you choose a spelling and to express ideas with clarity and confidence.

In real-world writing, it’s not about choosing right or wrong but about being aware of your audience. If you’re writing for a British publication, appal fits naturally; if your readers are in America, appall will look familiar. This awareness strengthens your communication skills and avoids confusion among readers. Both forms are recognized in dictionaries, proving that correctness in language often depends on context, not strict rules. Embracing this idea helps writers communicate effectively, celebrate linguistic diversity, and connect across cultures through clear, expressive English.

FAQs

What is the meaning of Appal vs Appall?

Both mean to shock, horrify, or disgust someone. The only difference lies in regional spelling preferences.

Which is British – appal or appall?

“Appal” is the British English form, while “appall” is used in American English.

Are both spellings correct?

Yes, both are correct and appear in standard English dictionaries.

Why are there two spellings?

Because of regional evolution in English over time, British and American styles differ.

How can I remember which to use?

Think “appal” for British and “appall” for American – the double “l” hints at American usage.

Do both forms have the same pronunciation?

Yes, both are pronounced the same way – /əˈpɔːl/.

Can I use either spelling in formal writing?

Yes, but maintain consistency throughout your text once you choose one form.

Is appall more common online?

Yes, “appall” tends to appear more often in American-dominated online platforms.

Does the meaning change with the spelling?

No, both words mean the same thing – only the spelling differs.

What’s the best way to avoid confusion?

Follow one consistent English standard and always proofread your writing for regional accuracy.