The English language is filled with words that have variations in use across the globe. One such pair of words is “fulfil vs fulfill”. Before discussing the specifics of spelling, let’s establish the shared meaning behind “fulfil” and “fulfill.”
Both act as verbs, signifying the act of bringing something to completion, achieving a goal, or carrying out a duty or promise. Whether it’s fulfilling a lifelong dream, fulfilling a customer’s order, or fulfilling a prophecy, the core concept remains the same – to see something through to its successful conclusion.
Here is a summary of the main differences between the use of fulfil and fulfill.
| Fulfil | Fulfill | |
| Spelling | UK and Australia | US |
| Meaning | To satisfy or meet a requirement or expectation | To satisfy or meet a requirement or expectation |
| Examples | He fulfilled his promise to help. | She fulfilled her dream of travelling abroad. |
| The company failed to fulfil its obligations. | The organisation aims to fulfill its mission. |
The Difference Between Fulfil Vs Fulfill
Now, the crux of the matter is the difference in spelling. Here’s where your audience and the dialect you cater to become crucial factors.
- American English: Across the US, the preferred spelling is “fulfill” (with a double “l”). This dominance can be attributed to Noah Webster’s influential dictionary, which favoured spellings that streamlined American English.
- British and Australian English: On the other side of the Atlantic, “fulfil” (with a single “l”) reigns supreme. This spelling aligns with the broader preference in the UK and Australia for maintaining a closer connection to Latin roots, where “fulfil” derives from “implere” (to fill).
Importance Of Context In Choosing The Right Word
Understanding the regional preference is just the first step. When making your choice, consider the context of your writing:
- Formal Writing: If you are crafting a formal document or catering to a global audience, opting for the more widely recognised “fulfill” is generally a safe bet.
- British English Audience: When your target audience is primarily British readers, publications, or institutions, sticking to “fulfil” demonstrates an awareness of their dialect.
- Consistency is Key: Whichever spelling you choose, ensure consistency throughout your writing. Mixing and matching can be jarring for the reader.
Related Words
While “fulfil” and “fulfill” take centre stage, their grammatical family offers additional options:
Fulfilment Vs Fulfillment
These nouns represent the act of fulfilling something or the state of being fulfilled. The spelling follows the same dialect-based pattern as the verb form.
Unfulfilled/ Unfulfilment
These words denote the opposite – something that remains incomplete or unachieved.
Fullfill (Incorrect)
This misspelling is a common mistake and combines elements of both “fulfil” and “fulfill,” but it’s not a recognised word.
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Examples Of Fulfil Vs Fulfill
| Fulfil | Fulfill |
|---|---|
| She fulfilled her duties at the office. | He fulfilled his responsibilities as CEO. |
| He promised to fulfil his commitment. | She promised to fulfill her obligations. |
| Their efforts fulfil our desires for a better future. | The vacation fulfilled all of our desires for relaxation. |
| The journey towards fulfilment of what they dreamed had just begun. | She felt a sense of fulfillment after completing the marathon. |
| The company fulfilled the customer’s order promptly. | The online store fulfilled the order within 24 hours. |
| She felt that this job could fulfil her potential. | He believed the new project would fulfill his creative potential. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Contentment is a state of satisfaction with one’s current circumstances or possessions, often passive and accepting. Fulfilment, on the other hand, is a deeper sense of purpose and achievement derived from aligning actions with personal values and aspirations, leading to a more profound sense of satisfaction and meaning in life.
“Fulfill” is a verb meaning to satisfy or carry out something, such as a promise or duty. “Fulfillment” is a noun describing the state of being satisfied or achieving one’s potential, often referring to a sense of contentment or accomplishment derived from fulfilling one’s goals, desires, or aspirations.
Yes, “fulfill” is the correct spelling with two Ls. It is commonly used in both British and American English to denote the act of satisfying or completing something. The spelling “fulfil” is also acceptable in British English, but “fulfill” is more prevalent in American English.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, “fulfill” means to satisfy or meet (a requirement, need, or condition). It also refers to carrying out (a duty or responsibility) or achieving (a goal or ambition), leading to a sense of satisfaction or completion. Additionally, it can denote the completion of an action, promise, or obligation.
- She felt a sense of fulfillment upon completing her first marathon.
- It’s essential to fulfill your obligations to maintain trust in relationships.
- He promised to fulfill his dreams of travelling the world.
- The company strives to fulfill customer orders promptly and accurately.
- Her passion for helping others fulfilled her sense of purpose in life.
