Dimention or Dimension: Which is Correct?

• "Dimention" is the incorrect spelling of "dimensions."
• "Dimension" can mean either the measurable extents of something (length, width, etc.) or the various aspects of something (emotional, intellectual, etc.).

Dimension

Part of speech: noun (plural: dimensions)

1. (Physical)

• Measurable extent or boundary of an object in a particular direction, such as length, width, height, or depth.
• The size or scale of something.

Example: The room's dimensions were 10 feet by 12 feet.

2. (Mathematical)

• Independent coordinate needed to describe a space.
• The number of degrees of freedom required to specify a unique point in a space.

Example: A line has one dimension, a plane has two dimensions, and a cube has three dimensions.

3. (Abstract)

• Aspect, facet, or complexity of something.
• A distinct quality or characteristic of something.

Example: The novel explored the many dimensions of human nature.

4. (Metaphorical)

• A realm beyond the limitations of physical or concrete reality.
• An unquantifiable space of ideas, feelings, or experiences.

Example: The music transported me to another dimension.

Examining the graph below, you can see that "dimension" is used more than "dimention." The use of the word "dimension" started to increase starting from the 1900s.

How do you pronounce dimension?

In American English, "dimension" is pronounced duh·men·shnz.

In British English, "dimension" is pronounced dai·men·shnz.

Why does the misspelling of dimension as dimention occur?

1. Phonetic similarity: The pronunciation of "dimension" and "dimention" can be similar, especially for people who don't stress the second syllable clearly. This can lead to confusion and accidental misspelling.

2. Lack of familiarity: People who don't encounter the word "dimension" often might not know the correct spelling. They might rely on their phonetic understanding, leading to the incorrect "dimention" spelling.

3. Analogy with other words: Some words in English, like "invention" and "mention," end in "-tion." This might lead someone to incorrectly assume that "dimension" follows the same pattern.

4. Typos and autocorrect: Typos and autocorrect errors can also contribute to the misspelling. In fast typing, fingers might accidentally hit the wrong keys, resulting in "dimention." Autocorrect, if not set correctly, might also suggest the incorrect spelling based on similar words.

Enlist the help of an AI proofreader to review your written work for any misspellings.

Other common misspellings of dimension

Below are other common misspellings of "dimension," other than "dimention."

• dimenssion (doubling the "s" due to its similarity to "dimension")
• dimenshen (replacing the "ti" with "sh")
• dimmenshun (shortening the "ti" sound)
• diamension (transposing the "a" and "e")
• dmention (missing the "i")
• dimesion (misspelling "men" as "mes")

Example sentences of the misspelling of dimension as dimention

Below are example sentences highlighting that “dimention” is not the right spelling.

1. "While "dimention" might seem like a logical way to spell it, remember, it's actually "dimension" with an "si" at the end!"
2. "Don't fall into the trap of the extra "o"! "Dimension" is the correct way to navigate this spelling maze."
3. "Autocorrect might suggest otherwise, but trust your instincts and stick with "dimension" – the "si" is key!"
4. "Don't let the "tion" ending mislead you! "Dimension" paints a clearer picture, both literally and figuratively."
5. "To avoid any dimensional distortions, remember: "dimension" is the spelling that truly holds its ground."

Example sentences for dimension

1. The architect meticulously planned the dimensions of the building to maximize space and light.
2. The artist sculpted the clay, adding new dimensions of texture and emotion.
3. The telescope revealed galaxies of unimaginable dimensions, dwarfing our own solar system.
4. The equation had several dimensions, each representing a different variable.
5. Understanding higher-dimensional spaces is a complex challenge in geometry.
6. The data formed a multi-dimensional cloud, revealing hidden patterns in the dataset.
7. The novel explored the various dimensions of human nature, from love and hope to fear and despair.
8. The painting's abstract shapes hinted at deeper dimensions of meaning and interpretation.
9. The music transported me to another dimension, filled with vibrant colors and swirling emotions.
10. Love transcends the dimensions of time and space, connecting hearts across generations.

Synonyms for dimensions

Physical:

• Size: extent, measurements, area, volume, bulk, scale, reach, span, expanse, circumference
• Shape: form, figure, configuration, contour, outline, profile, geometry

Mathematical:

• Axis: coordinate, parameter, variable
• Space: domain, realm, manifold, hyperspace
• Complexity: degree of freedom, level of abstraction

Abstract:

• Aspect: facet, element, component, characteristic, quality
• Depth: complexity, richness, nuance, intricacy, depth of meaning

Metaphorical:

• Realm: plane, sphere, level, existence
• Beyond: transcendence, infinity, unknown, unseen

Other:

• Scope: range, breadth, extent, range, reach, scale, magnitude, intensity
• Importance: significance, weight, consequence, gravity, impact

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References:

Definition of DIMENSION

measure in one direction; specifically : one of three coordinates determining a position in space or four coordinates determining a position in space and time… See the full definition

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