Writing Tip 37: Adviser vs. Advisor
Mark Twain once said, “The dream vocabulary shaves meanings finer and closer than do the world’s daytime dictionaries.” I love this concept, but then again, some people just have nonsensical dreams. In the dream vocabulary of those eccentric individuals is where word pairings like “adviser” and “advisor” must take their roots.
What’s the difference between these two? That’s a great question, and thanks to one of my readers for sending it in. The answer: there is no difference. Don’t you hate that?
“Adviser” is more commonly used and is listed in most dictionaries as the primary spelling. “Advisor” only takes the lead when it comes to official job titles, (i.e. Senior Advisor to the President).
This is up there with other annoying pairings like “preventative” and “preventive.” Those of us who like black and white grammar rules will just have to remain bothered. Though perhaps Mark Twain sums it up best:
“I don’t give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.”
Perhaps he’s the best adviser of them all. Happy writing, everyone.