When reading or writing, have you ever stumbled across two words that look almost identical but you’re not quite sure which one is correct? This happens more often than we might think. Today, let’s talk about the words “bizzare” and “bizarre.” Which one is the right spelling?
The correct spelling is bizarre, meaning something that is very strange or unusual. For example, wearing a costume to a formal meeting would be considered bizarre. The mistake often comes from the similar sounding word “bazaar,” which refers to a market.
Understanding the difference helps in using the right word in your writing, avoiding common errors that could confuse readers or detract from your message.
Understanding the Correct Spelling
Let’s get to the point. The correct spelling of the word is bizarre. This word describes something that is very strange or unusual. The word “bizzare” with two Zs is actually a common misspelling.
Where Does ‘Bizarre’ Come From?
Ever wondered about the origins of the words we use? ‘Bizarre’ sounds unique, right? It actually comes from French. Originally, it meant ‘soldierly’ and later changed to mean ‘odd’ or ‘fantastic,’ showing how words evolve over time.
Examples of Using ‘Bizarre’
How do we use ‘bizarre’ in everyday conversation? Here are some simple examples:
- “The circus was filled with bizarre costumes that captivated everyone’s attention.”
- “Jenny told a bizarre story about her vacation that seemed almost unbelievable.”
- “It was bizarre to see a cat that loved to swim.”
These examples help paint a picture of things that are out of the ordinary or exceptionally unusual. That’s the essence of ‘bizarre’!
Misuse of ‘Bizzare’
So why do people write “bizzare” instead of “bizarre”? It’s likely because of how the word sounds. The pronunciation might trick you into thinking there are two Zs.
The pronunciation of ‘bizarre’ is [bih-zahr] – similar to how you’d say the start of “bizarre” and end with a sound like ‘car.’ Just remember, despite how it sounds, there’s only one Z and two Rs.
Common Errors and Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling
Mnemonic Device
Need a trick to remember how to spell ‘bizarre’? Think of it this way: The word has an ‘ar’ as in “bizarre” and also an ‘ar’ as in “car.” Both the ‘ar’ in ‘bizarre’ and ‘car’ help you remember the right order of letters.
Visual Aids
Another helpful tip is to use a visual representation. Imagine a bizarre-looking car. This mental image can lock in the spelling with its visual and concept connection.
Using ‘Bizarre’ in Writing
When you’re writing, especially if it’s for school or work, using the correct spelling is very important. It shows that you pay attention to details. Here’s how you could use ‘bizarre’ in a sentence:
“His decision to paint his house bright pink was certainly bizarre, but he loved it.”
This example demonstrates not only the usage of ‘bizarre’ but also shows how it can be effectively used to spice up a sentence.
Is Auto-Correct to Blame?
In this era of digital text and auto-correct, it’s easy to become dependent on technology to catch our spelling errors. Sometimes, auto-correct can miss errors or correct them wrongly, particularly with less common words like ‘bizarre.’ Always double-check your work.
Another quick tip: if you’re ever unsure, look it up. Most smartphones and computers have a dictionary feature, and there are plenty of resources online. Taking a moment to research can save you from making a mistake.
Conclusion
In summary, ‘bizarre’ with one Z and two Rs is how you spell this word that means strange or unusual. By remembering the relationship with the word ‘car’ – thinking about the ‘ar’ ending – you can easily remember its spelling. Avoid the common mistake of writing ‘bizzare’ with two Zs.
Keep practicing, keep noting, and soon, spelling it correctly will become second nature!
Have you ever come across other words that are commonly misspelled like ‘bizarre’? How do you remind yourself of the correct spelling? Thinking about this can make you a better writer and communicator. Happy writing!
