Rendezvous or Rendevous – Which is Correct?
Ah, the challenge of spelling! It’s no surprise that many English language learners struggle with the correct spelling of certain words, especially when it comes to those pesky silent letters. One such word that often confuses students is “rendezvous.” The question arises: is it spelled with an “e” or without? Well, let me clear up the confusion once and for all – the correct spelling is “rendezvous.” Yes, you heard it right, without the “e.”
But why, you may ask, is this word spelled in such an unconventional manner? To understand this, we need to take a brief look at its etymology. “Rendezvous” is derived from the French phrase “rendez-vous,” which literally means “meeting” or “appointment.” When the term was adopted into English, as often happens with loanwords, the spelling changed to reflect the pronunciation of English speakers. In this case, the silent “e” at the end of the French word was dropped, resulting in the word “rendezvous” as we know it today.
Now, let’s learn some examples to solidify our understanding. Imagine you are planning a romantic evening with your loved one. You decide to meet at a picturesque café by the river. As you send the message, you write, “Let’s have a rendezvous at the riverfront café.” Notice that there is no “e” after the “vou,” as it is unnecessary and incorrect. This is the spelling you should always remember when using this word.
Furthermore, “rendezvous” is not just limited to romantic liaisons. It can also be used in various other contexts. For instance, if you are a project manager scheduling a team meeting, you might say, “Let’s have a quick rendezvous to discuss the upcoming deadlines.” Once again, there is no place for the letter “e” in this scenario.
Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, I’ve seen the word spelled with an ‘e’ before!” You are correct in noticing this inconsistency. Although the correct spelling is “rendezvous,” it is not uncommon to come across the misspelling “rendevous” in informal writing. Often, this mistake is made by native English speakers who are unfamiliar with the French origin of the word or who mistakenly assume that the final “s” should be doubled, hence changing the letter preceding it. While this misspelling may frequently be seen, it is important to recognize and utilize the correct spelling in formal writing, such as academic essays, business correspondence, or standardized exams like the IELTS.
In conclusion, the correct spelling of the word in question is “rendezvous,” and it should be used without the extra “e” at the end. Remember, language is a fascinating and ever-evolving entity, and loanwords like “rendezvous” add a touch of exoticism to our everyday vocabulary. Despite the occasional misspelling, the standard spelling prevails. So, next time you plan a meeting or an alluring rendezvous, be sure to impress with your accurate spelling! Remember, it’s rendezvous, not rendevous!