Vice vs. Vise – Which is Correct?

The words vice and vise are often confused due to their similar sound, but they have distinct meanings and spellings. Vice refers to immoral behavior, a personal flaw, or a deputy, and is also the British spelling for a clamping tool. Vise exclusively refers to the mechanical clamping device in American English.

Vice or Vise – Which is Correct?

Both “vice” and “vise” are correct words in English, but their usage depends on the intended meaning and regional spelling conventions. The primary confusion arises because “vice” has multiple definitions, one of which overlaps with the function of a “vise.” In American English, a “vise” is specifically the tool used for gripping objects, while “vice” refers to bad habits, moral failings, or a deputy (as in “vice president”). In British English, the clamping tool is spelled “vice.”

This kind of linguistic challenge is common, highlighting the importance of discerning between other tricky pairs like veracious vs. voracious.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Vice	Noun	1. Immoral or wicked behavior. 2. A particular immoral habit or weakness. 3. A deputy or substitute (e.g., vice president). 4. (British English) A mechanical device with two jaws for holding an object firmly.	Gambling was his only vice. The vice principal addressed the students. (British) He secured the wood in the vice.
Vise	Noun	(American English) A mechanical device with two jaws for holding an object firmly, typically attached to a workbench.	She tightened the pipe in the vise before cutting it.

How to Use Vice

The word “vice” carries several meanings, predominantly relating to morality, personal flaws, or a hierarchical position. It can describe a serious moral failing or a bad habit. Furthermore, it functions as a prefix in compound words to denote a substitute or assistant, such as “vice president” or “vice-versa.” In British English, “vice” is also the standard spelling for the clamping tool.

Example 1: Laziness can be a serious vice that hinders personal growth.

Example 2: The company appointed a new vice president of marketing.

Example 3: (British English) He clamped the metal firmly in the bench vice before drilling.

What are the different forms of vice?

As a noun, the plural form of “vice” is vices (e.g., “His many vices included smoking and drinking.”). It also appears in compound words like “vice-chancellor” or phrases like “vice versa” (meaning “the other way around”).

Etymology of the word vice

The word “vice” originates from the Old French vice, meaning “moral fault, failing, defect, imperfection,” which itself came from the Latin vitium, meaning “fault, defect, blemish, imperfection.” The meaning of a “clamping tool” (British English) is believed to come from the Old French vis, meaning “screw,” related to the Latin vitis for “vine” (due to the twisting motion of a screw). This separate etymology explains the divergence in meaning for the tool.

How to Use Vise

“Vise” is a noun used exclusively in American English to refer to a mechanical tool designed to secure an object firmly, typically on a workbench, so that work can be performed on it. It consists of two jaws, one fixed and one movable, operated by a screw mechanism. This spelling is specific to the tool and does not carry the moral or hierarchical meanings associated with “vice.”

Example 1: He mounted the new woodworking project securely in the bench vise.

Example 2: Before filing, make sure the part is held tightly in the machinist’s vise.

Example 3: The mechanic used a pipe vise to hold the cylindrical tubing in place.

What are the different forms of vise?

As a noun, the plural form of “vise” is vises (e.g., “The workshop had several different types of vises.”). It does not have other common forms or uses as a prefix.

Etymology of the word vise

The American English spelling “vise” for the clamping tool emerged as a variant of “vice” (the British spelling) in the 18th century, with its origin, like the British “vice” for the tool, tracing back to the Old French vis, meaning “screw.” This linguistic divergence solidified “vise” as the preferred spelling for the tool in the United States.

Related Concepts

The confusion between “vice” and “vise” highlights the concept of homophones and regional spelling variations. Homophones are words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings (e.g., “to,” “too,” “two”). While “vice” and “vise” are not perfect homophones for all speakers, their similar pronunciation often leads to errors. The difference in spelling for the clamping tool (“vice” in British English vs. “vise” in American English) is a classic example of how regional dialects influence written language, similar to “colour” vs. “color” or “centre” vs. “center.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its unlawful laws have made unlawful.” – Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray (referencing vice)
• “He was a man of many virtues, but also a few harmless vices, such as a fondness for expensive cigars.” – (General usage, referring to habits)
• “A good craftsman knows the importance of a sturdy bench vise for holding materials securely during intricate work.” – (Technical manual, American English)
• “The police department’s vice squad worked tirelessly to combat illegal gambling and drug operations in the city.” – (News report, referring to a specific police unit)
• “He carefully placed the delicate component in the vise, ensuring it wouldn’t slip while he soldered the wires.” – (Fiction, American English context)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The detective was assigned to the special ______ unit.
2. He secured the wooden plank in the ______ before sawing.
3. Smoking is a common ______ that many people struggle to overcome.
4. The ______ president announced the new company policy.
5. Always ensure your workpiece is firmly held in the ______ to prevent accidents.

Answer Key

1. vice
2. vise (or vice if British English context)
3. vice
4. vice
5. vise (or vice if British English context)

Vice Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Immorality	The state or quality of being immoral; wickedness.
Depravity	Moral corruption; wickedness.
Failing	A weakness or fault in character.
Flaw	A defect or imperfection.
Bad habit	An undesirable routine or practice.

Vise Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Clamp	A device, typically of metal, used to fasten or tighten things.
Grip	A firm hold or grasp.
Bench vise	A vise attached to a workbench.
Holding device	A mechanism designed to hold an object steady.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “vice” ever correct when referring to the tool?
Yes, “vice” is the correct and standard spelling for the clamping tool in British English. In American English, however, “vise” is used exclusively for the tool.

Question 2: How can I remember the difference between “vice” and “vise”?
A helpful mnemonic for American English speakers is to remember that “vise” with an “s” is for “secure” (the tool secures objects). For “vice,” think of “vice president” or “vicious” habits.

Question 3: Does “vice versa” use “vice” or “vise”?
The phrase is always “vice versa,” meaning “the other way around.” It uses “vice” (from Latin vice, meaning “in place of, by turns”), not “vise.”

Conclusion

Navigating the distinction between “vice” and “vise” boils down to understanding their specific meanings and geographical spelling preferences. “Vice” encompasses moral failings, bad habits, or a deputy role, and is the British spelling for the clamping tool. “Vise,” conversely, refers solely to the mechanical clamping device in American English. Paying attention to context and audience (American vs. British) will ensure correct usage. Pro Tip: In professional and academic writing, especially within American English contexts, always use “vise” when referring to the tool to maintain clarity and credibility.