Tittle vs. Title – Which is Correct?

While often confused due to their similar sound and spelling, tittle and title are two distinct English words with entirely different meanings. A title refers to the name of a book, film, or person’s rank, while a tittle is a small mark, specifically the dot over the letters ‘i’ and ‘j’. Both words are correct, but their usage depends entirely on the intended meaning.

Tittle or Title – Which is Correct?

Both “tittle” and “title” are correct words in the English language, but they are not interchangeable. The confusion often stems from their phonetic similarity, leading some to mistakenly use “tittle” when they mean “title.” However, understanding their specific definitions makes distinguishing between them straightforward. A simple “swap test” reveals their distinct nature: you cannot replace one with the other in a sentence without altering the meaning dramatically, or rendering it nonsensical.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Tittle	Noun	A small mark or stroke, especially the dot over an ‘i’ or ‘j’.	The child carefully drew each tittle on their handwritten ‘i’s.
Title	Noun, Verb	(Noun) The name of a book, film, or piece of art; a word indicating rank or office; legal right of ownership. (Verb) To give a name to; to call by a particular name.	Her new book’s title is “The Whispering Woods.”

How to Use Tittle

“Tittle” is a noun that refers to a very small distinguishing mark, particularly the dot above the lowercase letters ‘i’ and ‘j’. It can also refer to any tiny or insignificant detail. Its usage is somewhat formal or literary, often emphasizing precision or the smallest possible element. It’s less common in everyday conversation but appears in contexts where meticulous detail is important, such as calligraphy, linguistics, or religious texts (e.g., “not one jot or one tittle”).

Example 1: The ancient manuscript was preserved, with every tittle and stroke of its elaborate script still visible.

Example 2: When writing cursive, ensure you place each tittle accurately above the ‘i’s and ‘j’s.

Example 3: He argued that the change was merely a matter of a tittle, not a substantive alteration to the law.

What are the different forms of Tittle?

As a noun, “tittle” primarily has a plural form: “tittles.” There are no verb or adjective forms commonly derived from this word in modern English.

Etymology of the word Tittle

The word “tittle” comes from the Latin word titulus, meaning “inscription, title.” However, its meaning evolved through Old French titule and Medieval Latin titulus (referring to a small stroke or mark of writing) to specifically denote a small mark, distinct from the main meaning of “title” in English.

How to Use Title

“Title” is a versatile word that can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it most commonly refers to the name given to a book, film, song, or other creative work. It also signifies a person’s rank or status (e.g., “Lord,” “Doctor”), or the legal right of ownership to property. As a verb, “title” means to give a name to something or someone, or to assign a particular designation.

For further clarity on related usage, explore the common distinctions between entitled and titled.

Example 1: The movie’s intriguing title immediately captured the audience’s attention.

Example 2: She holds the title of Vice President of Marketing at the company.

Example 3: The author decided to title her new novel “Echoes in the Valley.”

What are the different forms of Title?

As a noun, “title” has a plural form: “titles.” As a verb, it conjugates like a regular verb: “titles” (third person singular present), “titling” (present participle), and “titled” (past tense and past participle).

Etymology of the word Title

The word “title” originates from the Old French title, which came from the Latin titulus. In Latin, titulus referred to an inscription, label, heading, or sign. This lineage directly connects to its modern meanings of a name for a work, a designation of rank, or a legal claim.

Related Concepts

Understanding the distinction between “tittle” and “title” highlights the importance of precise vocabulary and attention to detail in written and spoken communication. Even a single letter or a small mark can drastically change the meaning of a word, or even render it incorrect in a given context. This principle extends to other commonly confused words, where subtle differences in spelling or pronunciation lead to entirely different semantic territories. Always double-check definitions and usage if there’s any doubt, as clarity is paramount for effective communication.

Examples from Media and Literature

• In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Ophelia laments, “I hope all will be well. We must be patient: but I cannot choose but weep, to think they would lay him i’ the cold ground. My brother shall know of it: and so I thank you for your good counsel. Come, my coach! Good night, ladies; good night, sweet ladies; good night, good night.” There is no mention of a “tittle” here, but the play itself holds the title Hamlet.
• The biblical phrase “not one jot or one tittle shall pass from the law” (Matthew 5:18) emphasizes that every minute detail of the law is significant and will be fulfilled.
• J.K. Rowling’s series includes the wildly popular title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (or Philosopher’s Stone in the UK).
• A meticulous calligrapher will ensure that every curve, cross, and tittle is perfectly formed in their illuminated manuscripts.
• The newspaper ran a bold headline with the provocative title, “The Future Is Now.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The lawyer checked every legal document, ensuring not a single _____ was out of place.
2. What is the official _____ of the new research paper?
3. The scribe painstakingly added each tiny _____ above the ‘i’s in the ancient text.
4. She earned the prestigious _____ of “Doctor of Philosophy” after years of study.
5. Please remember to _____ your essay before submitting it.

Answer Key

1. tittle
2. title
3. tittle
4. title
5. title

Tittle Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Dot	A small spot or mark.
Jot	A very small amount, a speck. Often used in “not a jot or a tittle.”
Speck	A tiny spot or particle.
Trace	A very small quantity or indication.

Title Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Name	A word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known.
Heading	A word or phrase at the top of a page or section of a book.
Designation	A distinguishing name or mark; a formal appointment to a position.
Rank	A position in a hierarchy; status.
Ownership	The state or fact of owning something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “tittle” ever be used instead of “title”?
No, “tittle” and “title” have completely different meanings. Using “tittle” when you mean “title” would be an error and would likely confuse your audience.

Question 2: Is “tittle” a commonly used word?
“Tittle” is not a commonly used word in everyday conversation or writing. It tends to appear in specific contexts, such as discussions about calligraphy, ancient texts, or when emphasizing a minute detail, often in the phrase “not a jot or a tittle.”

Question 3: How can I remember the difference between “tittle” and “title”?
Remember that “tittle” has the extra ‘t’ and refers to something small, like the dot over an ‘i’ or ‘j’. “Title” is the standard word for a name or rank. Think of the “i” in “tittle” having its own little dot, which is a tittle.

Conclusion

The words “tittle” and “title” serve as excellent examples of how subtle differences in spelling can lead to vastly different meanings in English. While “title” is a widely recognized and frequently used word referring to names, ranks, or ownership, “tittle” is a more specialized term denoting a tiny mark, most notably the dot above ‘i’s and ‘j’s. Recognizing and respecting these distinctions is crucial for accurate and effective communication. Pro Tip: Always prioritize clarity and precision in your writing; confusing these two words can undermine your credibility and obscure your message.