Correct spelling, explanation: bestiality is a word clearly built on the same base as the word beast so it may seem like this spelling is incorrect. On the contrary, bestiality is the correct spelling, as the word is rooted in the Latin word bestia, and beast is just an anglicized, adjusted spelling.
Definition of bestiality:
noun
1. savage, cruel, or beast-like behavior
During wars, you see a lot of human bestiality and cruelty.
2. sexual intercourse with an animal
Bestiality is illegal in most countries as it’s considered immoral and abusive towards animals.
Incorrect spelling, explanation: beastiality may seem like a correct word, because of its similarity to beast, but it’s not. Why? The base word for both is Latin bestia, and while beast was historically used often, it had the opportunity to be anglicized, and bestiality was not used nearly as often, so it stayed closer to the original Latin word.
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First, the root adjective word is “bestial”:
Old French “bestial” (relating to a lower animal); Old French “Beste” (animal); French “bestial” (relating to animals); Latin “bestialis” (like an animal); Latin “bestia” (wild animal); and it displaced Old English “deor” (deer) as the generic word for “wild creature,” only to be ousted in the 16th century with the word “animal”; and in the Book of Revelation, “bestian.”
Second, the modifier is “-ity”:
A word-forming element, usually meaning the quality of being what the adjective describes.
Thus, bestiality (noun) came to mean “the nature of beasts” (from bestial) and “indulgence in bestial instincts” (from adding -ity). I’m unclear when it took on a meaning of sexual activity, but there is a 17th century King James Bible reference to this.
There is no organization or agency that determines the spelling, meaning, part of speech, or anything at alol about words. Dictionary publishers only show how words have been spelled, there most common spellings meanings and usage.
Language evolves and new words come into being and are added to dictionaries every year. The sole purpose of language is communication. Being that no one decides how words are spelled, used or their meaning. There is no such thing as correct spelling. If someone says the word beastiality do you know what is meant? It sounds more applicapable than bestiality. Bestiality, sex with a best or beastiality sex with a beast.
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I wasn’t taught this way.