Frustrate or Fustrate – Which is Correct?
If you’ve ever come across the words “fustrate” and “frustrate,” you might have wondered which one is correct. Let me clear up the confusion for you – the correct spelling is “frustrate.” The incorrect spelling “fustrate” does not exist in standard English.
Now, why is “fustrate” incorrect? Well, it’s a common mistake made by people who pronounce the word “frustrate” with a silent “r.” They may hear the word as “fuss-trate,” and thus assume that the correct spelling must be “fustrate.” However, this is not the case.
The word “frustrate” comes from the Latin word “frustra,” meaning “in vain.” It means to cause feelings of discouragement, annoyance, or disappointment. It is a verb that is used to describe the act of preventing someone from achieving a goal or desire. We often use it to talk about situations or people that make us feel helpless or annoyed.
Now, let’s learn some examples to illustrate the correct usage of “frustrate.” Imagine you are a student preparing for the IELTS exam. You’ve been studying hard for weeks, but every time you attempt a practice test, you struggle to achieve your target score. You might say, “I am frustrated by my lack of progress in the IELTS preparation.” Notice how “frustrated” describes your state of feeling, while “frustrate” explains what is causing that feeling – your lack of progress.
Another example could be a parent trying to assemble a difficult piece of furniture. They follow the instructions, but something just doesn’t fit right, causing them to feel irritated and discouraged. They might say, “This furniture assembly is frustrating me!” Here, “frustrating” describes the action (the furniture assembly), while “me” indicates who is affected.
It’s essential to remember that “frustrate” can also act as a transitive verb, meaning it can take an object. In such cases, we use “frustrate” to describe the act of preventing or hindering someone from achieving something specific. For instance, a strict boss might frustrate his employees’ efforts to take vacation time by denying all their requests. Or, a broken computer can frustrate a person’s attempt to write an important document.
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “frustrate,” and “fustrate” is an incorrect variation. While it may seem like a minor spelling mistake, using “fustrate” can give an impression of poor English skills and lack of attention to detail. So, it’s always advisable to choose the correct spelling to communicate effectively and maintain credibility.
If you ever find yourself unsure about the correct spelling or usage of a word, don’t hesitate to consult a reliable dictionary or a grammar resource. English can be tricky, but with the right knowledge and a little practice, you can navigate it successfully!