There are words in the English language with alternate versions; most times, such words have different spellings but similar meanings. It is necessary as a writer to know this set of words to avoid using the wrong spelling when writing. The words “divet’ and “divot” are examples of this set of words; we will be looking into these words and their usage.
The distinction between “divet” and “divot” is that divot is a turf section broken up, typically by a horse’s foot. “Divet,” on the other hand, refers to the alternate or old-fashioned way of the word divot. The word “divet” is rarely used and cannot be found in major dictionaries.
Only one of the two words, “divet” and “divot,” is no longer in use and is not included in some of the most widely used dictionaries. Knowing a word’s proper spelling is essential for writers to avoid confusing their audience.
What Do The Words “Divet” And “Divot” Mean?
We will not go so far as to call “divet” inaccurate, partly because there are still a few unusual situations where people use it. However, we will state unequivocally that “divot” is the correct spelling and that it is now acceptable in English.
Divet and divot can easily be confused due to their similar spelling. To clarify how to employ these words in a sentence, we will review their definitions and distinctions.
The word “divet” is an alternate version of the word “divot.” It is an old-fashioned spelling that is no longer used by several writers and is not recognized as a word in English. Some dictionaries view it as an archaic way of spelling, although it is no longer used.
The definition of the word “divet” is essentially what the word “divot” alludes to. However, modern writers no longer employ this word because it is seen as archaic. In order to convey accurate information to your readers when you write, it is preferable to avoid using this word’s spelling.
The Merriam-Webster and Cambridge dictionaries do not identify the term “divet” as a word that should be used in everyday conversation. Keep in mind that it is an antiquated, unacceptable alternative.
The word “divot” can be defined as a patch of turf removed from a fairway or lawn with a golf club or an animal’s hoof. It also refers to the void left behind when a portion of turf is removed during a stroke. It also means an imperfection in a smooth shape.
Scots divot, sometimes spelled diffat, devat, and the oldest form, duvat, were derived from the Scottish Gaelic word ‘dubhad,’ a condensed version of dubh-fhàd, literally “black sod,” in the 1530s. The word “divot” can be defined as an imperfection in a smooth shape.
It also refers to a piece of turf that was knocked loose by a golf club during a shot; it can also mean a thin turf slice used as roofing. The word “divot” is a Scottish slang that refers to the small piece of grass you often end up on that would be a few centimeters wide and long when you play golf.
Some synonyms of the word “divot” include dirt, pit, ground, sward, turf, terrain, dent, and sod. Whenever something sharp, such as an animal’s strong hooves, strikes the ground, a little portion of the earth known as a divot is launched upward. A divot is both the earthen fragment and the hole it leaves behind.
More Word Usage Posts
How To Properly Use The Words “Divet” And “Divot” In A Sentence
The word “divot” is spelled more commonly. However, research reveals that “divet” is still occasionally used. Undoubtedly, because of the differences in usage, “divot” is more frequently used than “divet.”
However, we cannot ignore the fact that the “divet” form is used in some circles. The best course of action is to always start your sentences with “divot,” but respect those who prefer to start sentences with “divet.”
The word “divot” is used in a sentence when describing a narrow, oblong turf that can be burned and is used to cover dwellings. It is also used when the writer refers to a small amount of turf removed from the earth by a golf club’s head during a stroke.
The word “divot” is used as Scottish slang in a sentence; it can be used when describing an individual who seems and behaves strangely. This word can also be used to insult or be harsh to someone as if you are trying to flame them. It is also used in a sentence when referring to a little dent or a tiny hollow, or depression.
You can use the word “divot” when referring to the gap created when a portion of turf is removed from the ground during a swing by the club head. It is also used in a sentence to describe a piece of turf removed from a fairway or lawn.
Examples Of The Words “Divet” And “Divot” Used In Sentences
The word “divet” should not be used in any context as it is not frequently accepted as an appropriate word in English. Using the term “divot” is safer and simpler for readers to understand what you are writing. Here are a few examples demonstrating how to use the word “divot” in a sentence properly.
- As the game was going on, due to the so many previous divot marks, finding a suitable position to hit was difficult, but I eventually found one, took a shot and won the match.
- John was trying to get the correct location of the house, so he called Missy to ask her, and she told him that once he saw a divot at the right of the bank, that was the route he should follow.
- It does not matter because James Hutton had already demonstrated that any static configuration would eventually lead to a spheroid devoid of features as degradation would level the irregularities and fill in the divots.
- After I skipped school throughout the day, my mum gave me a punishment where I had to repeatedly strike a small square of metal with a penetrating hammer until it became fully covered with tiny, round divots.
- Curtsinger leaped atop his back, looking dashing in Riddle’s fabled black and yellow silks, and the War Admiral threw himself around once more, bucking and flailing and ripping divots from the beautiful lawn.
- The bialys at Shelsky’s, which have been grilled to a deeper brown and contain more strongly caramelized onion saute filling in the fingerprint divots, may have been specially produced for the occasion.
- Nothing, however, is quite as rabid as the deranged geometric designs that give the greatest pieces a writhing, bursting energy. These patterns are established first by automatist sketching, followed by divots sprayed with opposing hues.
- His most recent work, however, consists of anthropomorphic forms that lack straight lines and are covered in tiny pimples and divots of multicolored layers.
- Position players on baseball fields must frequently deal with faulty hops from good pitches since the flat playing area vegetation provides for infields is absent. Instead, there are divots and rocks.
- He repeatedly hit shots, leaving crisp, centered divots while maintaining a close eye on the trajectory the entire time and providing commentary.
Final Thoughts
It is important to convey the correct message to your readers when you write; you can only do this if you utilize the appropriate grammar and spelling. Some nouns in the English language have both outdated and current spellings. It is recommended to adopt a word’s most common or accepted spelling whenever possible to avoid misleading your readers. The correct spelling in writing is “divot.”
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.