Meeting vs Meting: What’s the Difference and How to Use Them Correctly?

“Meeting” and “meting” are two words that sound identical but have completely different meanings and uses. These are classic examples of homophones in English. Confusing them can lead to misunderstandings, especially in written communication. This guide will help you distinguish between the two, ensuring your writing is both accurate and effective.
What Does “Meeting” Mean?
Part of Speech: Noun
Meeting refers to an assembly of people, especially for discussion or entertainment. It can also denote the act of coming together.
Examples:
- “We have a team meeting at 10 AM.”
- “Their first meeting was purely coincidental.”
What Does “Meting” Mean?
Part of Speech: Verb (present participle of “to mete”)
Meting is the present participle of the verb “to mete,” which means to dispense or allot justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment.
Examples:
- “The judge is meting out severe penalties.”
- “They were meting out punishment without hesitation.”
Key Differences: Meeting vs Meting
Feature | Meeting | Meting |
---|---|---|
Part of speech | Noun | Verb (present participle) |
Main meaning | An assembly or gathering | Dispensing or allotting |
Example sentence | “The meeting was productive.” | “She is meting out justice.” |
Common Mistakes
- ✘ “He is meeting out punishment.” → ❌ Incorrect
- ✔ “He is meting out punishment.” → ✅ Correct
- ✘ “The meting was scheduled for Monday.” → ❌ Incorrect
- ✔ “The meeting was scheduled for Monday.” → ✅ Correct
Easy Tricks to Remember
- Meeting: Think of people gathering or assembling.
- Meting: Associated with distributing or dispensing, often justice or punishment.
- Mnemonic: “In a meeting, we greet; when meting, we treat.”
Quick Practice Exercise
Choose the correct word (meeting or meting):
Bonus Resources
- Audio pronunciation: Meeting vs Meting (Cambridge Dictionary)
- More Homophones in English → Explore our full category
Conclusion
Though meeting and meting sound exactly the same, their meanings differ greatly. One refers to gatherings, the other to distributing punishment or justice.
With these clear examples, tips, and practice, you’ll never confuse them again in writing or speech.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, they are pronounced the same in English, especially in American English, but have completely different meanings and uses.
“Meting” is the present participle of the verb “to mete,” which means to distribute or allot, especially punishment or justice.
Yes, “meeting” is also the present participle of the verb “to meet,” meaning to encounter or come together with someone.
“Meting” is mostly used in formal or legal contexts. It comes from the older verb “to mete out,” which means to administer justice or punishment.
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