Naught vs. Nought

Attribute	Naught	Nought
Meaning	Nothing, zero	Nothing, zero
Spelling	Naught	Nought
Usage	More common in American English	More common in British English
Origin	Old English	Middle English

Definition

Naught and nought are two words that are often used interchangeably to mean zero or nothing. However, there are subtle differences in their usage and connotations. Naught is more commonly used in American English, while nought is more commonly used in British English. Both words can be used as nouns or adjectives, but nought is also used as a verb meaning to reject or disregard something.

Etymology

The word "naught" comes from the Old English word "nāwiht," which means "nothing." It has been used in English since the 12th century. On the other hand, "nought" comes from the Old English word "nōwiht," which also means "nothing." It has been used in English since the 14th century. Both words have similar origins and have been used in the English language for centuries.

Usage

In modern English, both naught and nought are used to mean zero or nothing. However, nought is more commonly used in mathematical contexts, while naught is more commonly used in everyday language. For example, you might say "I have naught to offer" when you have nothing to give, but you would use nought when talking about mathematical equations like "2 + 2 = nought." Nought is also used in British English to mean "nothing at all," as in "He came to nought in the end."

Connotations

Naught and nought have slightly different connotations. Naught is often used to imply worthlessness or insignificance, as in "All his efforts came to naught." Nought, on the other hand, is more neutral and is often used in a mathematical or technical sense. However, nought can also be used to imply rejection or dismissal, as in "His ideas were nought by the committee." Overall, naught tends to have a more negative connotation than nought.

Common Phrases

Both naught and nought are used in a variety of common phrases and idioms. For example, "to come to naught" means to fail or be unsuccessful, while "to count for nought" means to be considered worthless or insignificant. In mathematics, "noughts and crosses" is another term for tic-tac-toe, a popular game played on a grid. These phrases show how both words are used in different contexts to convey similar meanings.

Regional Differences

As mentioned earlier, naught is more commonly used in American English, while nought is more commonly used in British English. This regional difference is reflected in the spelling and pronunciation of the words. In American English, naught is pronounced with a long "o" sound, while in British English, nought is pronounced with a short "o" sound. This difference in pronunciation can sometimes lead to confusion, especially for non-native speakers of English.

Conclusion

In conclusion, naught and nought are two words that are often used interchangeably to mean zero or nothing. While they have similar meanings, there are subtle differences in their connotations, usage, and regional variations. Naught tends to have a more negative connotation and is more commonly used in American English, while nought is more neutral and is more commonly used in British English. Both words have been used in the English language for centuries and continue to be used in a variety of contexts today.