Lecture Or Lectern both words are similar in spelling and pronunciation. There is only a difference in the placement of ‘u’ and ‘e’ in the words.

So, most people get confused about which is the correct word – Lecturn or Lectern? Lecturn is an incorrect way or obsolete way of spelling the word while Lectern is the correct word that you will find in the English dictionary.

Today, in this article I will explain these two words and the difference between them so that you will get to know the meaning and how you can use them.

Lecture Vs Lectern

·        Meaning of Lecturn

This is an old or incorrect way to spell the right word ‘ Lectern’.

If you search the word ‘Lecturn’ on Google, you will get a result saying ‘Did you mean: Lectern’ which clearly means that the word doesn’t exist or is no longer in use in the English dictionary.

Examples-

The Professor walked back to the lectern. (incorrect)

The lecturn is made of wood. (incorrect)

It seems like Lecturn and Lectern are pronounced the same.

·        Meaning of Lectern

The lectern is a wooden stand with a sloping top, having support to make a good posture while reading or addressing an audience. Its Latin name is “pluteoproferuntur” and its Spanish name is “Atril”.

It is typically used by a preacher or lecturer to read something by putting it on the top of it while standing up.

In other words, A lectern is a reading desk that is a tall stand with a slanting top to hold a book or notes. So, the best use of a lectern is to read notes while standing up.

Examples-

He told me not to lean on the lectern to avoid breakage.

You can keep your hands on the lectern while not making gestures.

The boy could hardly see over the lectern as it was too high for him.

The Final Words

As discussed above, now you can understand that a little difference in the usage of ‘u’ and ‘e’ can make the word incorrect. The Lecturn word is an incorrect or outmoded way of spelling the correct word ‘Lectern’.  The lectern is the correct word used in an English dictionary which means a wooden structure with a sliding top that is used by people to read something or hold a book or notes while standing in front of an audience.