Last Sunday, I was reading a passage from the Bible when I noticed two spellings of the same word: worshiped and worshipped.
That small difference made me pause. Was one wrong? Or were both correct? Many people face this same confusion when writing about faith, history, or everyday life.
Some spell the word with one “p,” while others use two. As a result, writers often feel unsure, especially in formal writing, religious texts, and academic work.
People frequently search for “worshiped or worshipped meaning,” “worshiped or worshipped in the Bible,” and “past tense of worship” because they want clarity.
Fortunately, the difference between these two spellings is simple and based on regional spelling rules, not meaning.
In this guide, you will learn the correct usage of worshiped and worshipped, see clear examples, understand the grammar rule behind them, and choose the right form with confidence.
Quick Answer
Both worshiped and worshipped are correct.
The difference depends on American vs British English.
- Worshiped → American English
- Worshipped → British English
Examples:
- They worshiped at the church every Sunday. (US)
- They worshipped at the church every Sunday. (UK)
👉 The meaning is the same. Only the spelling changes.
The Origin of Worshiped or Worshipped
The word worship comes from Old English weorðscipe, which meant “honor,” “respect,” or “worth.” Over time, the word came to describe acts of devotion toward God, gods, or sacred figures.
As English evolved, different spelling systems developed. American English simplified many spellings, while British English kept traditional forms. This difference explains why Americans write worshiped and worshiping, while British writers use worshipped and worshipping.
The meaning never changed. Only the spelling followed regional conventions.
British English vs American English Spelling
This difference follows a clear spelling rule for verbs ending in -p.
- In American English, the final consonant is usually not doubled.
- In British English, the final consonant is often doubled before adding -ed or -ing.
Comparison Table:
| Form | American English | British English | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worshiped | ✔ Correct | ❌ Rare | Past tense of worship |
| Worshipped | ❌ Rare | ✔ Correct | Past tense of worship |
| Worshiping | ✔ Correct | ❌ Rare | Present participle |
| Worshipping | ❌ Rare | ✔ Correct | Present participle |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Choose your spelling based on your audience.
- Use worshiped and worshiping if you write for:
- American readers
- US schools
- American publishers
- Use worshipped and worshipping if you write for:
- British readers
- UK schools
- Commonwealth countries
Global Writing Tip:
If your audience is international, choose one style and stay consistent throughout your content.
Common Mistakes with Worshiped or Worshipped
Many writers mix spellings within the same document. This causes confusion and reduces professionalism.
❌ Incorrect:
They worshiped at the church, and later they worshipped together.
✔ Correct:
They worshiped at the church, and later they worshiped together. (US)
or
They worshipped at the church, and later they worshipped together. (UK)
❌ Incorrect:
She is worshipping idols. (US context)
✔ Correct:
She is worshiping idols. (US)
or
She is worshipping idols. (UK)
Easy Rule:
Pick one style and use it consistently.
Worshiped or Worshipped in Everyday Examples
📧 Emails:
- We worshiped together last Sunday. (US)
- We worshipped together last Sunday. (UK)
📰 News:
- The community worshiped peacefully. (US)
- The community worshipped peacefully. (UK)
📱 Social Media:
- I worshiped God today. (US)
- I worshipped God today. (UK)
📄 Formal Writing:
- The group worshiped according to tradition. (US)
- The group worshipped according to tradition. (UK)
Worshiped or Worshipped in the Bible
Most modern American Bible translations use worshiped, including:
- New International Version (NIV – US editions)
- New Living Translation (NLT)
- English Standard Version (ESV – US editions)
Most British editions and older translations often use worshipped, especially in UK publications.
Example:
- They worshiped the Lord with gladness. (US edition)
- They worshipped the Lord with gladness. (UK edition)
The meaning remains identical. Only spelling changes based on regional standards.
Worshiping or Worshipping – American vs British English
This same rule applies to the -ing form:
- Worshiping → American English
- Worshipping → British English
Examples:
- They are worshiping God today. (US)
- They are worshipping God today. (UK)
Worshiped Meaning
Worshiped means:
- Showed deep respect or love toward God, a deity, or a sacred figure.
- Admired someone deeply.
Examples:
- They worshiped God daily.
- He worshiped his mentor.
Worshipping God Meaning
Worshipping God means:
- Showing love, respect, devotion, and obedience to God.
- Praying, singing, and following religious teachings.
Example:
- The believers are worshipping God in the temple.
Past Tense of Worship
The past tense of worship depends on region:
- Worshiped → American English
- Worshipped → British English
Both are grammatically correct.
Worshiped Synonyms
Here are common synonyms for worshiped:
- Honored
- Revered
- Adored
- Praised
- Venerated
- Respected
- Esteemed
Comparison Table: Worshiped vs Worshipped
| Feature | Worshiped (US) | Worshipped (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | One “p” | Double “p” |
| Region | American English | British English |
| Meaning | Same | Same |
| Example | They worshiped God. | They worshipped God. |
FAQs
1. Is worshiped or worshipped correct?
Both are correct. Use worshiped in American English and worshipped in British English.
2. Which spelling appears in the Bible?
US editions use worshiped, while UK editions use worshipped.
3. What is the past tense of worship?
The past tense is worshiped (US) or worshipped (UK).
4. Is worshipping correct spelling?
Yes, in British English. In American English, use worshiping.
5. What does worshiping God mean?
It means showing love, respect, devotion, and obedience to God.
6. Can worshiped be used for people?
Yes. It can mean deeply admiring someone.
7. Is worshiped formal English?
Yes. It is acceptable in both formal and religious writing.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between worshiped and worshipped helps you write with clarity and confidence.
Although both spellings look different, they share the same meaning. The only difference lies in regional spelling rules.
American English uses worshiped, while British English uses worshipped.
Writers often worry about which form is correct, especially in religious writing, academic work, and formal documents.
However, once you know your audience and follow one style consistently, this issue becomes easy to manage. Meaning never changes — only spelling does.
With practice, choosing the correct form will feel natural. Eventually, you will write without hesitation — and one day, you may even help others understand this difference too.
