hostile (noun)/ΛhΙstaΙͺl/ β (chiefly in the plural) An enemy.
hostel sounds exactly like hostile but has a different meaning and spelling. Mixing these up is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English.
hostile
noun
(chiefly in the plural) An enemy.
hostel
noun
A commercial overnight lodging place, with dormitory accommodation and shared facilities, especially a youth hostel
Full definition βHow to Remember the Difference
- β Focus on meaning first β once you know what each word means, the correct spelling follows naturally.
- β Write a test sentence for each word and save it as a reference.
- β When in doubt, look up the definition β if it doesn't match your sentence, switch to the homophone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a homophone of hostile?
hostel is a homophone of "hostile". They sound identical when spoken but have different meanings and spellings.
What is the difference between hostile and hostel?
"hostile" means: (chiefly in the plural) An enemy.. "hostel" means: A commercial overnight lodging place, with dormitory accommodation and shared facilities, especially a youth hostel. They sound the same but are used in completely different contexts.
What is a homophone?
A homophone is a word that sounds exactly like another word but has a different meaning and often a different spelling. Examples include "their / there / they're", "to / too / two", and "hostile / hostel". Homophones are a common source of spelling and grammar mistakes.
How do I remember the difference between hostile and hostel?
A good strategy is to memorize a short sentence that uses each word correctly, then recall that sentence when you are unsure. For example, focus on the meaning first β then let the spelling follow from context. Reading and writing regularly also helps these distinctions become automatic.