Message vs. Messege – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is message, referring to a communication or a piece of information. Messege is a common misspelling and is not a valid word in the English language. Always use “message” when conveying information.
Message or Messege – Which is Correct?
The confusion between “message” and “messege” is a clear case of a correct word versus a common misspelling. “Message” is the only grammatically correct and widely accepted spelling in English, referring to a piece of communication, information, or a moral lesson. The incorrect spelling “messege” often arises from phonetic confusion, where the ‘a’ in the second syllable is mistakenly replaced with an ‘e’ due to how the word sounds.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| message | Noun / Verb | A piece of communication, information, or a moral lesson; to send a communication. | “I received an important message.” or “Please message me the details.” |
| messege | Incorrect Spelling | Not a valid word in English. | “Using ‘messege’ is a common spelling error.” |
How to Use Message
“Message” is a versatile word used both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a piece of information, a communication, or even a deeper meaning or moral conveyed through art or speech. As a verb, it means to send a message, typically electronically. It is appropriate for all contexts, from casual conversations to formal reports, making it a cornerstone of effective communication.
Example 1: “The supervisor left a clear message for the team about the upcoming deadline.”
Example 2: “Could you please message me when you arrive at the venue?”
Example 3: “The film’s powerful narrative delivered a profound message about reconciliation.”
What are the different forms of message?
The word “message” can take on several forms depending on its grammatical function:
- Noun (Singular): message (e.g., “One message arrived.”)
- Noun (Plural): messages (e.g., “Many messages were exchanged.”)
- Verb (Base Form): message (e.g., “I will message him.”)
- Verb (Third Person Singular Present): messages (e.g., “She messages her friends daily.”)
- Verb (Present Participle): messaging (e.g., “He is busy messaging clients.”)
- Verb (Past Tense/Past Participle): messaged (e.g., “They messaged us yesterday.” / “The details were messaged to everyone.”)
Etymology of the word message
The word “message” has a rich history, tracing its roots back to Old French message, which itself derived from Medieval Latin missaticum. This Latin term came from missus, the past participle of mittere, meaning “to send.” This etymology perfectly reflects its core meaning of something sent or conveyed from one person to another.
Related Concepts
The common misspelling of “message” as “messege” highlights the broader issue of phonetic spelling errors in English. English is not always phonetically consistent; many words contain silent letters, unexpected vowel combinations, or spellings that don’t directly correspond to their sound. This can lead writers to incorrectly guess spellings based on pronunciation alone. To avoid such errors, it’s crucial to cultivate strong visual memory for words, utilize spell-checkers, and, when in doubt, consult a dictionary. Mastering common spellings like “message” is fundamental to clear and professional communication.
This inconsistency is evident in many word pairs, such as the debate over spelled versus spelt, where regional preferences often play a role.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The raven brought an urgent message to the Night’s Watch, warning of the approaching winter.” (From fantasy literature)
- “In the movie, the protagonist’s final act sends a powerful message of hope to the struggling community.” (From film analysis)
- “She quickly typed a text message to her friend, confirming their dinner plans for the evening.” (From contemporary media)
- “The ancient scrolls contained a hidden message, revealing the location of the lost treasure.” (From adventure novels)
- “News anchors delivered the president’s morning message to the nation, outlining new policy initiatives.” (From news reporting)
Message Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Communication | The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium. |
| Note | A short informal letter or written message. |
| Dispatch | An official report or message sent by a messenger or directly. |
| Memo | A written message, especially in business. |
| Bulletin | A short official statement or summary of news. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “messege” a common misspelling?
“Messege” is often misspelled due to phonetic confusion. The ‘a’ in the second syllable of “message” can sound like an ‘e’ to some, leading them to incorrectly write “messege.” It’s a classic example of how English spelling doesn’t always directly align with pronunciation.
Question 2: Can “message” be used as a verb?
Yes, “message” is commonly used as a verb, particularly in informal and digital contexts. It means to send a message to someone, typically electronically. For example, “I’ll message you the details later today.”
Question 3: What’s a good mnemonic to remember the correct spelling of “message”?
A simple mnemonic is to remember that a “message” has “age” at the end, like other common words such as “cabbage” or “courage.” This helps reinforce the correct ‘a’ in the second syllable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the distinction between “message” and “messege” is unequivocal: “message” is the correct and only accepted spelling for a piece of communication or information, while “messege” is a prevalent misspelling that should be avoided. Understanding and consistently using the correct spelling is fundamental for clear and effective communication.
Pro Tip: Always double-check your spelling, especially for commonly confused words. Using “message” correctly not only ensures your meaning is understood but also reflects positively on your attention to detail and professionalism in all forms of writing.
