Gage vs Gauge
Gauge is a word that is used both as a noun as well as a verb as it refers to a scale of measurement and the act of measuring the quality or quantity of something. There is another spelling for the gauge, and that is without the U in the word. However, gage is an altogether different word with a different meaning and should not be confused with gauge in any way. Let us take a closer look at the two words.
Gauge
Gauge is a word that is used to refer to measuring instruments that measure a physical characteristic of an object. In fact, gauge is a word that can be used both as a noun as well as a verb. While the measuring instrument that could be a dial or any other instrument and gives an estimate of a physical quantity such as a rain dial, fuel gauge, water gauge etc., the word could also be used to refer to the actual act of measurement.
The word gauge is also used to indicate the distance between the parallel tracks in railways. Thus, we have the standard gauge and the meter gauge. It is also used to estimate, evaluate, or make a judgment. Thus to gauge a person’s character means analyzing his character on the basis of his behavior. While gage is a spelling variant of gauge, it is not correct to use it for a measuring instrument or the act of measurement as it has another totally different meaning.
Gage
Gage is a word that has two meanings, one of which is pledge. This means it is used to refer to a surety or an item that is deposited in lieu of a loan. The word has the same root as we find in engage and wage. Engage reflects one’s promise to marry or the willingness to enter an agreement. The root also finds use in mortgage.
Gage vs Gauge
• Though there are people who use the spelling gage for a measuring instrument, the correct word is gauge that is used both as a noun as well as verb.
• There are other meanings of gage, and it can be a spelling variant of gauge, as well.
• Gage is a root in many English words such as engage, wage, and mortgage.
This is one of the best treatments of this subject that I have seen. The root meaning of “gage” and the examples really helped.
It seems that the use of “gage” for “gauge” has been declining in the last several decades. I know for me in the past, if I could not remember how to spell “gauge” I would put “gage”. Probably the scientist/technical group did not consult with the linguistic group enough.