In academic writing, consistency is essential to achieve clarity and logic. Regardless of whether you’re working on a research paper, essay, or thesis, it’s vital to uphold a clear and academic tone. Many students have a hard time deciding which spelling of words like “anaemia” or “anemia” is correct for British English vs. American English. For a more comprehensive understanding of these two English variants, read on.
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“Anaemia” or “Anemia”
The word “anaemia/anemia” functions as a noun. It refers to a blood disorder in which you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s parts. It can make you feel very tired and weak because of different reasons, like not eating enough foods with iron, vitamin problems, or other health issues.
American English and British English have a slight spelling difference. In the first English variant, you’d write it “anemia,” while Brits prefer the spelling “anaemia,” with an additional “a” before the “e.” While both spellings are correct, your choice must depend on your regional or stylistic preferences.
British English
anaemia
American English
anemia
In British English, the more common spelling is “anaemia.” In American English, the more common spelling for the noun is “anemia.”
Examples of using “anaemia” and “anemia” as a noun
The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the noun “anaemia/anemia” in British and American English.
- British English: Anaemia
- American English: Anemia
- After feeling constantly tired, she was diagnosed with anaemia.
- His anaemia was caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Her anaemia resulted from not having enough iron in her diet.
- After feeling constantly tired, she was diagnosed with anemia.
- His anemia was caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Her anemia resulted from not having enough iron in her diet.
“Anaemic” and “anemic” as an adjective
“Anaemic/anemic” is an adjective that refers to an individual who’s suffering from the blood disorder “anaemia/anemia.”
- British English: Anaemic
- American English: Anemic
- Iron-rich foods like spinach can help improve anaemic conditions.
- The doctor noted her pale complexion, a sign of being anaemic.
- Anaemic patients often require iron supplements.
- Iron-rich foods like spinach can help improve anemic conditions.
- The doctor noted her pale complexion, a sign of being anemic.
- Anemic patients often require iron supplements.
FAQs
The difference between “anaemia” and “anemia” is purely a matter of spelling variation between British English and American English. “Anaemia” is the preferred spelling in British English, while “anemia” is used in American English.
Both terms refer to the same medical condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells or in the quantity of hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport in the body. The meaning and pronunciation of the word are the same in both versions of English; only the spelling differs.
The most common cause is iron deficiency. It can result from a diet low in iron, body changes, or slow blood loss (e.g., from menstruation or gastrointestinal conditions.)
Another reason can be a lack of vitamins like B12 and folate, which are essential for red blood cell production. This might result from poor diet or conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
“Having anaemia” means that a person has a condition where their blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When there are not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, the body’s tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen.
This can lead to symptoms like feeling tired or weak, having pale or yellowish skin, experiencing shortness of breath, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and other related symptoms. Anaemia can result from various causes, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, genetic conditions, or blood loss, and its treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Anaemia can range from mild to severe and its seriousness largely depends on the cause, the level of hemoglobin or red blood cells that are deficient, and how quickly it develops. Mild anaemia may cause minimal symptoms and might be manageable with dietary changes or supplements. However, severe anaemia can be life-threatening and requires more immediate medical intervention.