Kitty-corner vs Catty-corner
What’s the difference between them?
Kitty-corner
Meaning:
Kitty-corner means diagonally across from something.
Examples:
1. My house is located kitty-corner from the local grocery store.
2. We drove our car kitty-corner across town to get to the mall.
3. I noticed the park was only kitty-corner away from my office building.
Catty-corner
Meaning:
British English spelling for 'kitty-corner.'
Examples:
1. My Mom would always buy me a treat from the candy shop that was catty-corner from the movie theater.
2. We decided to move the couch catty-corner across the living room.
3. The ice cream stand was catty-corner from the park.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Kitty-corner
1. Diagonally opposite
2. Across the way
3. At an angle
4. At an opposite angle
5. Askew
1. Straight ahead
2. Diagonally opposite
3. In a straight line
4. At right angles
5. Across the street
Catty-corner
1. Diagonally opposite
2. Across the diagonal
3. On the diagonal
4. Askew
5. At an angle
1. Straight across
2. Diagonally opposite
3. Directly opposite
4. Squarely opposite
5. In a direct line
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Kitty-corner", "Catty-corner".
1. If you are using American English, use the spelling 'kitty-corner'.
2. If you are using British English, use the spelling 'catty-corner'.
3. When in doubt, use the spelling that most people in your audience use.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
'Kitty-corner' should be used when describing a location or object that is positioned diagonally across from something else. For example, 'The park is kitty-corner from the school.'
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The second word, 'catty-corner,' is primarily a British English spelling of 'kitty-corner.' It can be used interchangeably with 'kitty-corner' in the same context, referring to something diagonally opposite. For instance, 'The cafe is catty-corner to the bookstore.'
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, both 'kitty-corner' and 'catty-corner' are typically pronounced the same way, with the emphasis on the first syllable, and the 'a' sounding like 'i' as in 'kitten.' The pronunciation is /ˈkɪtiˌkɔrnər/ or /ˈkætiˌkɔrnər/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake is misspelling 'kitty-corner' as 'kiddy-corner' or 'kiddie-corner.' Another error is using 'catty-corner' in American English, as it's less commonly used in the United States. Additionally, some people may confuse the meaning and use of these terms with 'diagonally opposite,' which is their correct usage.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The post office is ________ to the bank.
2. In the UK, people might say the library is ________ from the school.
3. I noticed that the diner was ________ from the movie theater.
4. If youre in London and looking for the bakery, its ________ from the old fountain.
5. In New York City, the famous toy store is ________ to the central park.
6. While traveling in Manchester, I found the café ________ from the bookshop.
1. The post office is kitty-corner/catty-corner to the bank.
Explanation: There is no specific clue to British or American English, so both kitty-corner and catty-corner are acceptable.
2. In the UK, people might say the library is catty-corner from the school.
Explanation: The phrase In the UK gives a clue that this is British English, so catty-corner is the preferred term.
3. I noticed that the diner was kitty-corner from the movie theater.
Explanation: The use of the word diner and movie theater (as opposed to cinema) gives a clue to American English, hence kitty-corner is the appropriate term.
4. If youre in London and looking for the bakery, its catty-corner from the old fountain.
Explanation: If youre in London indicates British English, so catty-corner is the correct term to use.
5. In New York City, the famous toy store is kitty-corner to the central park.
Explanation: In New York City clearly indicates American English, making kitty-corner the suitable term.
6. While traveling in Manchester, I found the café catty-corner from the bookshop.
Explanation: While traveling in Manchester indicates British English context, so catty-corner is the correct choice.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.