Appal vs Appall: Understanding the Differences, Origins, and Usage

When you come across the words “appal” and “appall,” do you ever stop and wonder if there’s a difference between the two? If you’re like most people, you may not give them much thought they seem so similar.

But here’s the thing: there is a subtle yet important distinction between them. The reality is that “appal” and “appall” are often used interchangeably, but understanding their history, regional preferences, and correct usage can significantly improve your writing.

Whether you’re writing a formal paper or crafting a casual blog post, knowing when to use “appal” and when to use “appall” can help your writing sound more polished and precise.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to use both words effectively, without the confusion. Ready to dig in? Let’s explore “appal” vs. “appall” in-depth and clear up any doubts.

What Do “Appal” and “Appall” Mean?

The first thing to understand is the core meaning of both “appal” and “appall.” While both words convey a sense of shock or dismay, their usage can vary slightly based on region and context. Here’s a closer look:

“Appal”

• Meaning: To shock, horrify, or dismay, often due to something morally or emotionally disturbing. It’s less commonly used in modern English, but it’s still valid.
• Usage: “Appal” tends to be more formal or literary and is often found in British English.
• Example: The state of the orphanage appalled the visiting volunteers.

“Appall”

• Meaning: Similar to “appal,” but “appall” is the more widely used form, especially in American English. It can describe anything that causes a feeling of deep shock or disgust.
• Usage: “Appall” is the preferred spelling in most everyday contexts, across both formal and informal writing.
• Example: The cruelty of the situation appalled the entire town.

Key Difference

Though their meanings are nearly identical, “appall” has become the more common form in modern English, while “appal” remains somewhat formal and less frequent in day-to-day language.

The Origins and Etymology of “Appal” and “Appall”

Understanding where these words come from can shed light on why they sound so similar and why one is more commonly used than the other.

Both words are derived from Old French, specifically from the verb apallier, which meant “to become pale” or “to cause to become pale.” Over time, this evolved into the meanings we use today, referring to feelings of horror or shock that could make someone “pale” from fear or disgust.

• “Appal” comes from the earlier Old French form apaller, meaning “to pale, to frighten.”
• “Appall” followed a similar path and gradually became the more popular variant in English.

This shift likely happened due to the influence of language simplification and regional variations, which favored “appall” over time.

Consistency is Key: Why Choosing the Right Word Matters

Why does it matter which word you use? Well, word choice can significantly affect the tone and professionalism of your writing. Here’s why consistency matters:

In academic or formal writing, you might opt for “appal” to maintain a higher level of formality, especially if you’re writing for a British audience. On the other hand, “appall” would be more suitable for casual or American English contexts.

Appal vs. Appall in Different English Variants

The distinction between “appal” and “appall” becomes even more interesting when we look at the regional preferences:

British English Preference

In British English, “appal” is often used in more formal or literary contexts. However, you’ll still see “appall” used frequently, especially in everyday writing. For example:

• “The devastating news appalled the community.”
• “The cruel act of betrayal appalled many of us.”

American and Canadian English Preference

In American English, “appall” is overwhelmingly the preferred form. It’s the word most commonly found in both casual and formal contexts. In Canadian English, the preference for “appall” is similar to American usage, though some older Canadian texts may still use “appal.”

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Example Sentences for Clarity

To solidify the understanding of when to use “appal” and “appall,” here are some real-world examples:

British English Examples

• “The news of the environmental damage appalled the locals.”
• “Her blatant disregard for the rules appals her colleagues.”

American English Examples

• “The footage of the storm’s destruction appalled everyone watching.”
• “The lack of action on the matter appalls me.”

Notice how “appall” is more commonly used in American examples, while “appal” appears in the British sentence.

Common Ground: Inflections and Usage Patterns

While “appal” and “appall” may differ in terms of regional use, their inflectional forms are identical. Both take on the same adjective and past-tense forms:

• Appalling: Used to describe something shocking or horrendous.
  • “The appalling condition of the building left me speechless.”
• Appalled: The past tense of both words.
  • “I was appalled by the news of the accident.”

These forms are used interchangeably, regardless of whether you’re using “appal” or “appall”.

“Appalling” as an Adjective

“Appalling” is the adjective form of both “appal” and “appall,” and it’s commonly used to describe something that is shockingly bad or upsetting. Here are some example sentences:

• “The appalling state of the roads made driving dangerous.”
• “The appalling behavior of the attendees was hard to ignore.”

This adjective can describe anything that induces shock or disgust, making it useful in both formal and informal contexts.

“Appalled” in the Past Tense

When using “appalled” in the past tense, you are referring to someone who has already experienced shock or horror. It’s used to convey a reaction to something disturbing. For example:

This past tense form is particularly useful when you’re expressing someone’s emotional response to an event that has already occurred.

Historical Usage Trends

Over the years, the usage of “appal” has declined in favor of “appall.” In older British literature, “appal” was more common, but in modern English, especially in American English, “appall” dominates.

A case study of historical texts reveals that “appal” was used more frequently in the 16th and 17th centuries, with “appall” becoming more prevalent in the 18th century and onward.

Trends Over Time:

Century	Preferred Form	Frequency of Use
16th Century	Appal	High
17th Century	Appal	Moderate
18th Century	Appall	Increased
19th Century-Present	Appall	Dominant

Conclusion: Which Word Should You Use?

When deciding between “appal” and “appall,” it’s important to consider the context and your audience. Here’s a quick guide:

• Use “appal” if you’re writing in British English or prefer a more formal or literary style.
• Use “appall” if you’re writing in American English or for a more general audience.

Both words mean the same thing, but choosing the right one based on region and tone can elevate your writing. Consistency is key, so once you pick a form, stick with it throughout your piece.

FAQs

1. Are “appal” and “appall” interchangeable?

Yes, they are interchangeable in terms of meaning. However, “appall” is the more commonly used form in modern English, especially in American English.

2. Which form is more formal?

“Appal” is typically considered more formal and is more commonly used in British English.

3. Is “appal” still used today?

Yes, but “appall” is far more common in contemporary English, particularly in the United States.

4. Can I use “appalling” and “appalled” with both words?

Yes, both “appalling” and “appalled” are used with both forms, though “appall” is more common.