Annoint vs. Anoint: The Correct Spellings

The incorrect spelling, annoint, includes an unnecessary additional ‘n’. The correct spelling is anoint. The error is solely in the spelling; "annoint" is incorrect, and "anoint" is correct.

The term anoint has its origins in Middle English, derived from Old French enoint ‘anointed,’ past participle of enoindre, from Latin inungere, from in- ‘on’ + ungere ‘to anoint.’ The word is often associated with religious ceremonies, referring to the act of applying oil or ointment.

To remember the correct spelling of “anoint,” think of the word “appoint,” which is similar in pronunciation and also has a single ‘n’. Recognizing this parallel can help maintain the correct spelling, differentiating it from the incorrect "annoint."

Anoint mainly exists in its verb form, but derivatives include anointed and anointing.

Incorrect: The oil used to annoint the sick is blessed.

Correct: The oil used to anoint the sick is blessed.

Anoint may also refer to applying oil or lotion to one’s body.

Anoint can signify to nominate or choose someone for a particular role, especially with the implication that they are being endowed with divine favor.

Anoint also implies the action of dedicating to the service of God.

To anoint can mean to treat or sprinkle with some healing substance.

Anoint means to smear or rub with oil or an ointment, often as part of a religious ceremony.

To apply oil, ointment, or a similar substance to.

To put oil on during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration.

To choose by or as if by divine intervention.

(transitive) To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.

(transitive) To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.

To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.

To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.

To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.

To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.

Anointed.

administer an oil or ointment to ; often in a religious ceremony of blessing

To anoint someone can symbolize a special blessing or calling.

Priests anoint the sick to offer comfort and healing.

The act of applying oil or perfume to one's body, often for ceremonial or religious reasons.

The correct spelling is "anoint," with "annoint" being incorrect due to the unnecessary addition of an ‘n’.

Yes, in some contexts, "anoint" can be synonymous with "appoint" when it refers to nominating or choosing someone for a particular role, especially with divine implication.

"Annoint" is incorrect because it includes an extra ‘n’ that does not belong in the standardized spelling of "anoint" in English dictionaries.

The word "anoint" originates from Middle English, influenced by Old French and Latin, from the term inungere, consisting of in- ‘on’ + ungere ‘to anoint.’

Yes, "anoint" often has religious implications, referring to the ceremonial application of oil or the symbolic choosing or dedicating with divine favor.

"Anoint" primarily exists in its verb form, with derivatives like "anointed" (adjective) and "anointing" (noun).

Yes, being anointed often holds significant meaning in religious texts, symbolizing divine favor, blessing, or consecration.

Ensuring correct usage of "anoint" involves remembering its meaning related to applying, smearing, or choosing and considering its contextual appropriateness, especially in religious or symbolic contexts.

"Anoint" can refer to the physical application of oil or to symbolically choosing or nominating someone, as in "She was anointed as the representative of the group."

Yes, "anoint" can also imply treating or sprinkling with some healing substance, referring to the application of substances for medicinal purposes.