Vigorous or Vigourous – Which is Correct?
Hey there! I’m here to shed some light on the age-old question of whether it’s “vigorous” or “vigourous.” I am often asked this very query by my students preparing for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). So, let’s jump right into it and explore the correct usage of these two words.
To put it simply, the correct spelling is “vigorous.” Yes, that’s right – no “u” after the “o.” While it may seem counterintuitive, especially for those familiar with British English, the majority of English speakers, including those from North America, use the spelling “vigorous.”
Now, you might be wondering why this discrepancy exists in the first place. Well, let me break it down for you. The word “vigorous” derives from the Latin word “vigor,” which means “strength” or “energy.” When the word initially made its way into English, it maintained its Latin spelling, “vigourous.” However, over time, the spelling evolved to remove the “u,” aligning it more with phonetic patterns in English.
To further solidify this point, let’s consider some examples of the usage of “vigorous” in everyday language:
1. “He engages in vigorous exercise every morning to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
2. “The vigorous wind gusts blew away the fallen leaves on the sidewalk.”
3. “After a vigorous debate, the committee reached a unanimous decision.”
In each of these sentences, “vigorous” is used to convey a sense of intensity, energy, or strength. The word is commonly applied in contexts related to physical activity, weather conditions, and even discussions or debates. It captures the essence of a robust and energetic action or state.
Now, you may come across instances where you’ll encounter the spelling “vigourous” in written material, especially in British English. While it may be tempting to adopt this variation, particularly if you’re accustomed to British English conventions, it’s important to remember that the overwhelming majority of English speakers employ the standard spelling “vigorous.”
To help illustrate the point, let’s consider an analogy. Imagine you’re at a party where everyone is doing the Macarena, a popular dance routine. However, one person decides to add their unique twist to the moves. While their interpretation might be interesting, it’s not what everyone else is doing. Similarly, “vigorous” without the “u” is the dance everyone is doing, and it’s essential to follow the crowd to ensure clear communication.
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “vigorous,” without the “u” after the “o.” While it may initially seem counterintuitive, this spelling aligns with the phonetic patterns of English. So, whenever you want to convey a sense of intensity, energy, or strength, remember to reach for the proper spelling. Keep practicing your English, and soon, you’ll be using “vigorous” with confidence in your IELTS essays and speaking tasks. Good luck!