Use “title” for names or headings, while “tittle” refers to a very small mark or detail.
Many people get confused between tittle and title because they look very similar and sound almost the same. This confusion is common among students, writers, bloggers, and even native English speakers. When writing headlines, book names, job positions, or articles, choosing the wrong word can completely change the meaning.
People usually search for tittle or title when they see both words in dictionaries or spellcheck tools and wonder if one is a misspelling. The truth is, both words are real, but they are used in very different situations.
In this article, you’ll clearly learn the difference between tittle and title, their origins, correct usage, common mistakes, real-life examples, and how to choose the right word every time.
Title or Tittle – Quick Answer
- Title → ✅ Correct for names, headings, positions
- Tittle → ✅ Correct but rare, means a tiny mark or detail
Simple Examples
- The title of the book is interesting.
- He earned the title of champion.
- The dot on the letter “i” is called a tittle.
The Origin of Tittle or Title
Origin of Title
The word title comes from Latin titulus, meaning a label or name. Over time, it came to mean the name of a book, role, or position.
Origin of Tittle
The word tittle comes from the Latin titulus as well, but its meaning shifted. It refers to a small mark, especially the dot above letters like i and j.
This shared origin is why the words look similar but mean very different things today.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for these words.
| Word | British English | American English |
| Title | Correct | Correct |
| Tittle | Correct | Correct |
The difference is usage, not spelling.
Which One Should You Use?
Use Title when:
- Naming a book, article, or movie
- Referring to a job or rank
- Writing headings or labels
Examples:
- The article title is catchy.
- She holds the title of manager.
Use Tittle when:
- Talking about very small marks or details
- Referring to typography or handwriting
Examples:
- Do not forget the tittle on the letter “i.”
- He noticed every tittle in the document.
Common Mistakes with Tittle or Title
Mistake 1: Using “tittle” instead of “title”
❌ What is the tittle of the book?
✅ What is the title of the book?
Mistake 2: Thinking “tittle” is a misspelling
❌ Tittle is wrong English
✅ Tittle is real but rarely used
Mistake 3: Ignoring context
❌ She won the tittle
✅ She won the title
Tittle or Title in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please update the email title.
- The job title was incorrect.
News
- The movie’s title was revealed.
- He defended his world title.
Social Media
- New blog title just dropped.
- Catchy titles get more clicks.
Formal Writing
- The research paper’s title is clear.
- Every tittle and comma was reviewed.
Tittle or Title – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search behavior shows:
- Title is extremely common across all writing types
- Tittle is searched mainly due to confusion
- SEO content almost always refers to title, not tittle
In digital writing, title dominates headlines, metadata, and content structure.
Comparison Table: Tittle vs Title
| Aspect | Tittle | Title |
| Meaning | Tiny mark or detail | Name or heading |
| Common usage | Rare | Very common |
| Used in SEO | No | Yes |
| Grammar correct | Yes | Yes |
| Context | Typography | Books, jobs, articles |
FAQs: Tittle or Title
1. Is tittle a spelling mistake?
No. It is a real word with a specific meaning.
2. What does tittle mean?
It means a very small mark or detail, like the dot on “i.”
3. Is title more common than tittle?
Yes. Title is far more common.
4. Can I use tittle instead of title?
No. That would be incorrect.
5. Are both words used in US and UK English?
Yes, both are used the same way.
6. Why do people confuse them?
Because they look and sound similar.
7. Is tittle used in modern English?
Yes, but mostly in technical or literary contexts.
Conclusion
The confusion between tittle and title is understandable, but the difference is simple once you know it. Title is the word you use for names, headings, ranks, and labels. It is one of the most common words in writing and SEO. Tittle, on the other hand, refers to a tiny mark or detail and is rarely used in everyday language.
If you are naming a book, article, video, or job role, always choose title. Save tittle for discussions about writing details or typography. Understanding this difference will make your English clearer and more professional.
Objective or Subjective: What’s the Real Difference?
Hi, I’m Evelyn Hartley. I love writing short stories that explore everyday life and the little emotions we all feel. I try to keep my words simple but meaningful, so readers can really connect with them.
