Despatch vs. Dispatch: The Correct Spellings

To remember the spelling of "dispatch," you can use the following mnemonic: Think of the “di” in dispatch as "direct," as you directly send someone or something swiftly to its destination.

Derived forms of "dispatch" include "dispatcher" (a person who dispatches) and "dispatched" (the past tense of dispatch).

When considering "despatch" and "dispatch," the latter is the widely accepted spelling in American English. The term "dispatch" originated from the Spanish word "despachar" which means "to expedite." Over time, English adopted this term, with the "di-" spelling becoming more predominant in the United States.

Incorrect: We need to despatch the goods by tomorrow.

Correct: We need to dispatch the goods by tomorrow.

Incorrect: Can you despatch someone to fix the issue?

Correct: Can you dispatch someone to fix the issue?

The act of sending off something.

To send off promptly, usually for a particular purpose.

To complete or deal with something swiftly.

A report or message, typically official or formal in nature.

The killing of someone or something.

To relegate to a specific destination or send on specific business.

A written message, particularly an official communication, sent with speed.

An important message sent by a diplomat or an officer in the armed forces.

A news item sent to a news organization, as by a correspondent.

(transitive) To send (a shipment) with promptness.

(transitive) To send (a person) away hastily.

(transitive) To send (an important official message) promptly, by means of a diplomat or military officer.

(transitive) To send (a journalist) to a place in order to report.

(transitive) To dispose of speedily, as business; to execute quickly; to make a speedy end of; to finish; to perform.

(transitive) To rid; to free.

(transitive) To destroy (someone or something) quickly and efficiently.

To pass on for further processing, especially via a dispatch table (often with to).

To hurry.

To deprive.

A message sent quickly, as a shipment, a prompt settlement of a business, or an important official message sent by a diplomat, government official, military officer, etc.

The act of doing something quickly.

A mission by an emergency response service, typically involving attending to an emergency in the field.

(computing) The passing on of a message for further processing, especially through a dispatch table.

(obsolete) A dismissal.

To dispose of speedily, as business; to execute quickly; to make a speedy end of; to finish; to perform.

To rid; to free.

To get rid of by sending off; to send away hastily.

To send off or away; - particularly applied to sending off messengers, messages, letters, etc., on special business, and implying haste.

To send out of the world; to put to death.

To make haste; to conclude an affair; to finish a matter of business.

The act of sending a message or messenger in haste or on important business.

Any sending away; dismissal; riddance.

The finishing up of a business; speedy performance, as of business; prompt execution; diligence; haste.

A message dispatched or sent with speed; especially, an important official letter sent from one public officer to another; - often used in the plural; as, a messenger has arrived with dispatches for the American minister; naval or military dispatches.

A message transmitted by telegraph.

an official report (usually sent in haste)

the act of sending off something

the property of being prompt and efficient;

send away towards a designated goal

complete or carry out;

dispose of rapidly and without delay and efficiently;

We will dispatch your order within 24 hours.

The courier service guarantees to dispatch packages on time.

Doing something swiftly and effectively.

Completed or sent off without difficulty.

To fulfill a responsibility promptly.

To handle a situation quickly and efficiently.

The act of doing something quickly and efficiently.

To send someone away quickly.

To send a communication quickly.

Very quickly or with great speed.

To send something quickly or efficiently.

A report sent from a specific place, often by a journalist.

Without haste or delay.

To resolve or address a problem quickly.

To send help or support to someone in need quickly.

To finish or deal with something rapidly.

To send help or assistance promptly.

To carry out actions with accuracy and speed.

To defeat someone quickly or efficiently in a competition.

To send out orders to customers quickly.

To complete a job swiftly.

To send something with attention to detail and consideration.

In American English, the correct spelling is "dispatch."

"Dispatch" can refer to sending something quickly, handling a task efficiently, or a message/report sent to someone.

Functionally, no. The main difference lies in regional spelling preferences, with "dispatch" being favored in American English.

While "despatch" might be seen occasionally, especially in older British texts, "dispatch" is the standard form in American English.

Yes, such as "dispatcher" (one who dispatches) and "dispatched" (past tense of dispatch).

"Dispatch" is derived from the Spanish word "despachar," meaning "to expedite."

Recall the “di” in dispatch as "direct," emphasizing the direct and swift action of sending or completing something.

Historically, "despatch" was used in British English, but "dispatch" has become the more common form in modern times.

Yes, "dispatch" can mean to kill someone or something, often quickly.

A dispatch note is a document accompanying goods that provides details about the shipment or delivery.