Difference between Fall and Autumn
Main difference
The main difference between the interchangeable terms autumn and fall is that fall is seen more in British English and fall is seen more in American English.
autumn vs autumn
Autumn and fall are interchangeable words in most contexts. Autumn and fall are accepted and widely used words for the season that stretches between summer and winter. Autumn and fall refers to the season that follows summer. Sometimes the other word autumn is preferred, or sometimes the word autumn; however, today both words are accepted in the context of the seasons. Autumn is a noun. It directs a season that occurs between summer and winter. Autumn is an old term for the same season. But the word autumn is used in more formal contexts; therefore, it is more formal than autumn. Autumn is used as a female name. It functions as a proper name and is always capitalized. It is an old word that originates in Latin and moved into modern usage through Middle English. The word autumn was first recorded in its current form in the 14th century. The word fall originates in English in the 16th century or earlier. The word autumn came into the English language from the French “Automne” in the 15th or 16th century, but did not gain prominence in the late 18th century. “Autumn” became the preferred term in the United States. “Autumn” became a frequent term in British English. After the prominence and overuse of the word, autumn “autumn” was finally considered archaic for the season. But language is something that is always changing. This status did not remain constant as there was also a time when the term fall gained ground among the British for some time. “Autumn” became the preferred term in the United States. “Autumn” became a frequent term in British English. After the prominence and overuse of the word, autumn “autumn” was eventually considered archaic for the season. But language is something that is always changing. This status did not remain constant as there was also a time when the term fall gained ground among the British for some time. “Autumn” became the preferred term in the United States. “Autumn” became a frequent term in British English. After the prominence and overuse of the word, autumn “autumn” was eventually considered archaic for the season. But language is something that is always changing. This status did not remain constant as there was also a time when the term fall gained ground among the British for some time.
Comparison chart
| Fall | Fall |
| A formal name for the fall season that follows summer. | An informal name for the fall season that follows summer. |
| Context | |
| Formal | Informal |
| Source | |
| 14th century | 16th century |
| Use | |
| British English | American English |
| Other users | |
| Australians | Canadian |
What is autumn?
Autumn refers to the season when the leaves of the trees fall. Autumn follows the summer season. The word autumn came into English from the French “Automne” in the 15th or 16th century. But it did not gain popularity or prominence until the 18th century. Autumn is a noun. The word autumn is used in more formal contexts; therefore, it is a formal word. Autumn is used as a female name. It functions as a proper noun and is therefore always capitalized. It is an old word that originates in Latin and moved into modern usage through Middle English. The word autumn was first recorded in its current form in the 14th century. The word Autumn came into common use around the same time Autumn did. The English who stayed at home adopted the word Autumn. In American English, “Autumn” sounds archaic and poetic. Also, Australian writers favor autumn by a significant margin. American writers use both autumn and fall, mostly depending on which one sounds better. There is a small preference for autumn in British English. Fall is the more formal word for the fall season.
examples
- John goes into the woods every fall and extracts maple syrup from the old trees.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, fall is a season of low temperatures and brightly colored leaves.
- In the fall, goats spend most of their time grazing in the treetops, when there is little food on the ground.
What is autumn?
The word “fall” comes from the Old English word “feallan,” which means “to die or fall.” This phrase was eventually shortened to fall. The names of the season didn’t just end with fall. The poets introduced the phrase “the falling of the leaves” which came to be associated with the season. This phrase was shortened in the 17th century to fall. Today, American English uses the word “autumn.” However, this term fall or this season is informal. Also, Fall is a very old word. It has been used to describe the fall season for several centuries. It is derived from a verb and is now considered a noun to name a season. Autumn also has other meanings. Many of them are intended to slip or fall. It is very rare for a British speaker to use the word autumn instead of the word fall.
examples
- This fall, John will be in the 11th grade.
- Ellie started a new job last fall as a manager for a construction company.
- I am going to London for business purposes and will stay there until next fall.
Key differences
- Autumn came into the English language from the French “Automne” in the 15th or 16th century, while the word “fall” originates in English in the 16th century or earlier from the Old English word “feallan” meaning “to fall or die.” ». «
- Autumn is seen more in British English, while autumn is seen more in American English.
- The word autumn is used in more formal contexts. In contrast, the word fall has an informal context.
- Australian writers seem to favor the word autumn; on the other hand, Canadian writers seem to favor the word fallen.
Final Thought
In the context of the seasons, the names autumn and fall are more or less interchangeable. Both words are accepted and used in different communities.