Word Choice: Route vs. Rout

‘Route’ and ‘rout’ are pronounced differently in Australian English (which isn’t always the case in American English). However, since they’re close in spelling, they’re often mixed up in writing.

As with all spelling mistakes, this upsets our proofreader souls. So in this post, we explain how these terms should be used to help you avoid errors in your work (and to give us inner peace).

Route (Between a Starting Point and a Destination)

The main definition of ‘route’ (pronounced to rhyme with ‘hoot’) is as a noun meaning ‘the way between a starting point and a destination’. This is usually a physical course or journey:

I pass seven branches of Macca’s on my route to work.

However, ‘route’ can also be used figuratively to describe a course of action:

The quickest route to obesity is eating junk food for every meal!

In addition, ‘route’ can also be used as a verb meaning ‘send in a particular direction’:

After the accident, police routed traffic down a side road.

Finally, this term also appears in the phrase ‘en route’, which means ‘on the way’. In all of these cases, the key thing to remember is that ‘route’ is related to journeys and travelling.

Rout (Defeat Completely)

A ‘rout’ (pronounced to rhyme with ‘out’) is a total defeat. This term can be used as a noun:

The 2007 election battle ended in a rout for the Liberal Party.

Or it can be used as a verb to describe the action of defeating someone completely:

Australia routed South Africa by an innings and 360 runs.

‘Rout’ is a much rarer term than ‘route’, though, so you’re unlikely to see it used very often.

Route or Rout?

Since these terms have very different meanings, it’s important not to mix them up. The crucial point is that ‘route’ refers to travelling, while a ‘rout’ is a big defeat. Keep in mind, too, that ‘route’ is a much more common word, so you’re likely to need it more often. Remember:

Route = The way between a starting point and a destination

Rout = A complete defeat