Specialty vs Speciality
What’s the difference between them?
Specialty
Meaning:
Specialty is a particular area of knowledge, activity, or product that is particularly associated with someone or something and considered to be their characteristic quality.
Examples:
1. Her specialty is creating delicious desserts.
2. His specialty is collecting vintage comic books.
3. This restaurant is known for its seafood specialty dishes.
Speciality
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in British English.
Examples:
1. She has developed a speciality in gastroenterology.
2. This restaurant is famous for its seafood specialities.
3. His speciality is creating intricate sculptures from wood.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Specialty
1. Area of expertise
2. Niche
3. Forte
4. Specialization
5. Particular skill
1. Generalization
2. Ordinary
3. Routine
4. Commonplace
5. Standardization
Speciality
1. Expertise
2. Niche
3. Forte
4. Area of focus
5. Particularity
1. Generalization
2. Ordinary
3. Routine
4. Commonplace
5. Standardization
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Specialty", "Speciality".
1. In American English, the correct spelling is 'specialty.'
2. In British English, the correct spelling is 'speciality.'
3. Mnemonic phrase: 'In American English, use 'specialty' ending with '-lty.'
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Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word 'specialty' be used?
Specialty refers to an area of concentrated knowledge or activity. It is typically used to describe someone's occupation, a skill, or a product. For example, a doctor may have a specialty in cardiology, or a builder may have a specialty in antique restorations. Such spelling is widely used in American English.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'speciality'?
Speciality is often used to refer to a feature that makes something unique or stand out from other similar items. It can also be used to describe something that is particularly good at or suited for a certain activity or purpose. Such spelling is widely used in American English.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. Specialty is pronounced as /ˈspeʃ.əl.ti/m while speciality is pronounced as /ˌspeʃ.iˈæl.ə.t̬i/.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is confusing their spellings in different regions.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. In the UK, the doctors ___ was paediatric care.
2. The New York cafes ___ is its homemade cheesecake.
3. The ___ of this British bakery is the freshly made Victorian sponge cake.
4. The chef from Texas is renowned for his BBQ ribs, which is his ___.
5. Whats the ___ of this tech company?
6. The university in Oxford offers a course on the ___ of Elizabethan drama.
1. speciality
Explanation: The clue In the UK indicates that the British spelling speciality should be used.
2. specialty
Explanation: The reference to New York cafe suggests the use of the American spelling specialty.
3. speciality
Explanation: The context British bakery points toward the British spelling, making speciality the correct choice.
4. specialty
Explanation: The chef from Texas clearly indicates the American context, so specialty is appropriate here.
5. specialty/speciality
Explanation: The sentence doesnt provide a clear American or British context, so both spellings can be used.
6. speciality
Explanation: The reference to university in Oxford suggests the use of the British spelling speciality.
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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.