The difference between "humour" and "humor" comes down to regional spelling preferences. "Humour" is the standard spelling in British English and other English-speaking countries that follow British conventions, while "humor" is the preferred spelling in American English. Both words have the same meaning, referring to the quality of being amusing or funny, or the ability to provoke laughter. The distinction applies to related forms as well, such as "humoured" vs. "humored" and "humouring" vs. "humoring," but the adjective "humorous" is spelled the same in both British and American English. In summary:
- British English: humour, humoured, humouring
- American English: humor, humored, humoring
- Both use: humorous
These spelling differences do not affect meaning or pronunciation, only the regional preference for writing.
