Smoothe vs. Smooth: Which is Correct?

"Smoothe" is the incorrect spelling of "smooth."
The word "smooth" is an adjective that describes a surface or texture that is even, level, and free from roughness, bumps, or irregularities. Additionally, "smooth" can be used to characterize actions, processes, or transitions that are effortlessly executed without interruptions or difficulties.

For example...

❌ The smoothe surface of the lake reflected the vibrant colors of the sunset, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

✅ The smooth surface of the lake reflected the vibrant colors of the sunset, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

In the sentence, "smooth" is an adjective used to describe the surface of the lake. It indicates that the lake's surface is even, free of roughness or irregularities, and has a sleek texture. The use of "smooth" conveys a sense of calmness and tranquility, suggesting that the lake's surface is undisturbed and creates a reflective, peaceful setting for the vibrant colors of the sunset.

Other nuanced meanings of smooth

Surface Texture: The lake was so calm that its surface appeared smooth as glass.
Texture of a Material: The silk fabric felt smooth against her skin.
Actions or Movements: The dancer performed a series of smooth and graceful movements.
Processes: The project went smoothly, without any major challenges.
Speech or Communication: His speech was delivered in a smooth and articulate manner.

Looking at this graph, we can see that the correct spelling "smooth” is used in a greater amount than "smoothe.” The word "smooth's" use was consistent throughout the two centuries.

Why would the misspelling of "smoothe" as "smooth" occur?

The misspelling of "smooth" as "smoothe" can occur due to various factors. One common reason is phonetic confusion, where the similar sounds of "th" in "smooth" might lead individuals to include an extra "e" at the end based on how they perceive the pronunciation. Additionally, common spelling patterns, typographical errors during typing, and a lack of familiarity with the correct spelling can contribute to this mistake. Sometimes, individuals might rely on mnemonic devices that inadvertently include the extra letter. Misspellings are a natural part of language use, and being mindful of correct spellings, along with regular proofreading, helps in avoiding such errors and ensuring clear communication.

Other common misspellings

Below are common misspellings of "smooth," other than "smoothe"

smoth
smoooth
smothe
smoth
smoot
smothh
smothie (sometimes used in the context of drinks or blends, though it's not a correct spelling for "smooth")

Example sentences

Example sentences showing the misuse of the word "smooth" as "smoothe."

The correct spelling of the word is "smooth," not "smoothe."
"Smoothe" is a misspelling; the proper term is "smooth."
Your essay contains a spelling error—please replace "smoothe" with the correct spelling, "smooth."
In English, "smoothe" is not an accepted form; use the standard spelling, which is "smooth."
The red underline indicates that "smoothe" is not recognized; the correct spelling is "smooth."
A common mistake is to write "smoothe," but the accurate spelling is "smooth."
When proofreading, ensure you correct instances of "smoothe" to maintain proper spelling.
Your message will be clearer if you use the correct spelling; it's "smooth," not "smoothe."
The teacher emphasized that "smoothe" is an incorrect spelling and advised students to use "smooth" instead.
I observed a typo in your report; replace "smoothe" with the appropriate spelling, "smooth."

Examples of the word "smooth"

The chocolate melted in his mouth, creating a rich and smooth sensation on his palate.
As the boat glided across the calm lake, the water's surface remained perfectly smooth.
Her graceful dance movements flowed together seamlessly, creating a smooth and captivating performance.
The mechanic fixed the engine, and now the car runs as smooth as silk.
With each stroke of the artist's brush, the colors blended together in a smooth and harmonious masterpiece.
The jazz musician played a series of smooth and soulful notes on his saxophone, captivating the audience.
Applying the lotion to her skin left it feeling soft and smooth, a refreshing sensation after a long day.
The transition between scenes in the movie was so smooth that it kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
The espresso machine produced a cup of coffee with a velvety smooth crema on top.
The highway was well-paved, making the drive remarkably smooth and comfortable.

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