Smooth vs smoothe has one clear answer: “smooth” is the correct spelling. It works as an adjective and a verb. “Smoothe” is a rare, nonstandard variant that most dictionaries and style guides advise against.
If you wonder “is it smooth or smoothe?”, pick smooth every time. Let’s look at the meaning, usage, and examples so you can write with confidence.
What Does Smooth Mean?
Smooth describes something even, flat, and free of bumps. It comes from the Old English word smōþ, and it has been part of the language for centuries.
The word also describes easy, steady, and pleasant things. A smooth road, a smooth talker, and a smooth start all fit.
Smooth as an Adjective
As an adjective, smooth describes a surface, a motion, or a person’s style. It is the most common use.
- Smooth skin: soft and even
- A smooth flight: calm and steady
- A smooth transition: easy, with no trouble
- A smooth operator: a charming, confident person
Smooth as a Verb
As a verb, smooth means to make something even or to ease a problem. Its forms are smooth, smooths, smoothed, and smoothing.
Common phrasal verbs include smooth out (remove wrinkles), smooth over (calm a conflict), and smooth away (clear an obstacle). For example: “She smoothed the sheet before guests arrived.”
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Is Smoothe a Word?
Is smoothe a word? Not in modern standard English. It shows up in older books, and Herman Melville used it as a verb in Moby-Dick in 1851. Today, though, it is seen as an outdated spelling variant.
Fowler’s A Dictionary of Modern English Usage says the adjective is always smooth. For the verb, it recommends smooth over smoothe.
People add the “e” because of words like breathe and clothe. In those pairs, the extra “e” marks a change in sound between noun and verb. Smooth already has the soft “th” sound (/smuːð/), so it needs no extra letter.
Smoothe vs Smoothen
Smoothen is a real verb. Dictionaries trace it to the 1630s, and it means “to make smooth.” It is valid, but it feels wordy.
Compare these two lines:
- Smooth the edges (preferred)
- Smoothen the edges (correct, but longer)
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Smooth vs Smoothe Difference Chart
| Word | Standard Today? | Part of Speech | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth | Yes | Adjective, verb | The table feels smooth. |
| Smoothe | No (rare variant) | Verb (old use) | Avoid in modern writing. |
| Smoothen | Yes, but wordy | Verb | Smoothen the surface. |
Correct and Incorrect Examples
Here is how the smooth vs smoothe usage looks in real sentences:
- ✔ The road is smooth. ❌ The road is smoothe.
- ✔ She smoothed her dress. ❌ She smootheed her dress.
- ✔ Please smooth the icing. ❌ Please smoothe the icing.
Quick tip: If you are unsure, use smooth. It is never wrong, and readers will trust your writing more.
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FAQ’s About Smooth vs Smoothe
Is it smooth or smoothe?
It is smooth. This is the standard spelling for the adjective and the verb in modern English.
Is smoothe a real word?
Smoothe is an old, rare variant of the verb. Most dictionaries and editors treat it as an error today.
What is the difference between smooth and smoothen?
Smoothen means “to make smooth.” It is correct but wordy, so smooth is usually the better choice.
How do you spell the past tense of smooth?
The past tense is smoothed. Never write “smootheed” or “smoothd.”
Is smoothe a British spelling?
No. Both American and British writers use smooth as the standard form, so the extra “e” is not a regional difference.
Can I use smoothe in a resume or email?
It is best to avoid it. Readers may see smoothe as a typo, and it can hurt your credibility.
Hi, I’m Dylan Ross, the author of GrammarConcept.com. I make English grammar, grammar rules, and sentence structure easier to understand through simple explanations, practical examples, and helpful guides. My goal is to help students, writers, and English learners improve their grammar and communicate with confidence.
