What do Americans call kilometre?

Miles vs. Kilometers: A Linguistic Divide

In the realm of distance measurements, a linguistic divide separates American English from its British counterpart. While the United States predominantly embraces the metric system, using kilometers as its primary unit of length, the United Kingdom maintains a preference for the imperial system, favoring miles.

Kilometer: American and British Variations

The term “kilometer” appears differently in American and British English:

• American English: Kilometer (without the “re”)
• British English: Kilometre

This spelling divergence reflects the broader differences in the two language variants. American English tends towards simplicity and phonetic spelling, while British English retains certain features of its older vocabulary.

Usage and Preference

The overwhelming preference for kilometers in the United States is evident in various spheres:

• Road signs: Distances on road signs are almost exclusively expressed in kilometers.
• Transportation: Airfare and public transportation fares are calculated using kilometers.
• Scientific publications: The United States is a major contributor to scientific research, and kilometers are the standard unit of measurement in this field.
• Maps: Topographical and road maps display distances in kilometers.
• Everyday conversation: American citizens commonly use kilometers when discussing distances, even in casual settings.

Historical Context

The adoption of the metric system, including kilometers, in the United States can be traced back to the mid-19th century. In 1866, Congress passed a resolution legalizing the metric system. However, it was not until the 1970s and 1980s that the United States began to transition away from the imperial system.

Conclusion

The linguistic divide between American and British English in the measurement of distance serves as a testament to the divergent paths that these two variants have taken over time. While kilometers have become the preferred unit in the United States, miles remain prevalent in the United Kingdom. This difference highlights the nuances and cultural differences that exist within the realm of language.