The letter e with an apostrophe or accent mark on top often sparks curiosity, especially among English speakers who encounter it in foreign words, names, or borrowed phrases. It is not just a decorative mark but a diacritical accent that changes pronunciation and sometimes meaning. Known primarily from French but also used in other European languages, this modified e plays a distinct role in communication, phonetics, and spelling accuracy. Understanding what the e with an apostrophe on top means, how it is used, and how to type it can be both educational and useful, particularly for writers, linguists, and language learners.
Understanding the Character: It’s Not Actually an Apostrophe
First, it’s important to clarify a common misconception. The mark on top of the letter e is not technically an apostrophe. Instead, it is a diacritical mark called anaccent. The most commonly seen version is é, which features an acute accent. The acute accent (´) should not be confused with the apostrophe (‘), which is used in contractions and possessives in English.
Different Accents Used with the Letter E
In languages that use the Latin alphabet, several accents can appear on the letter e, each with its own pronunciation rules and grammatical functions. These include:
- é– E with acute accent
- ̬РE with grave accent
- ̻РE with circumflex accent
- ë– E with diaeresis or umlaut
Each of these has a specific pronunciation and usage depending on the language. However, when people refer to the e with apostrophe on top, they usually mean é.
Pronunciation of é
The acute accent on é changes how the letter is pronounced. In French, for example, é is pronounced like the English long a as in they. This is different from è, which is pronounced more like the e in bed.
Examples of é in Common Words
Many borrowed words in English still retain the accent to preserve original pronunciation and meaning. Some well-known examples include:
- Café – a small restaurant or coffee shop
- Fiancé – an engaged man
- Touché – used to acknowledge a clever point made by someone else
- Résumé – a document listing work history and qualifications
These words are commonly used in English but originate from French, and the accent is often maintained to avoid confusion with other similarly spelled words.
Function of é in Different Languages
French
In French, the accent on é often indicates that the e should be pronounced distinctly, rather than silent or part of a diphthong. For example, été (summer) has two é letters, both pronounced clearly.
Spanish
While é is not as common in Spanish, it does appear to indicate stress on a syllable, especially in cases where the standard pronunciation rules would not naturally place it. For instance, José has the accent on the last syllable due to the acute accent.
Portuguese
In Portuguese, the é also indicates stress and can differentiate between words that are spelled the same but have different meanings or grammatical functions.
Typing the é on a Keyboard
Typing accented characters like é can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the methods available on your keyboard or operating system. Here are a few ways to do it:
On Windows
- Use the ALT code: Hold down the ALT key and type 0233 on the numeric keypad.
- Change keyboard layout to US International, which allows easier typing of accented characters using combinations like ` + e for è, and ‘ + e for é.
On macOS
- Hold down the e key, and a popup will display all the accented versions of the letter. Press the number associated with é.
On Smartphones
- Press and hold the e key on your touch keyboard, then slide to select the accented version you need.
When to Use the Accented é in English
While modern English tends to simplify or drop accent marks from foreign words over time, there are situations where using é is still preferred or even required. For example, in formal writing or when using proper names, the accent adds clarity and authenticity. Some style guides recommend retaining the accent in words like résumé to distinguish it from resume, which has a completely different meaning in English.
Reasons to Keep the Accent
- Maintains original pronunciation
- Preserves meaning and avoids confusion
- Respects the origin language
- Follows academic or publishing standards
Common Misunderstandings
It is easy to mistake the é for an e followed by an apostrophe, especially when handwriting is unclear or when typing in environments that don’t support accents. But understanding the distinction is important for proper spelling and pronunciation.
Another common error is replacing é with a plain e without understanding how it changes the word’s function or sound. For example, omitting the accent in fiancé may not change meaning in spoken English, but it can look incorrect or informal in written form.
How to Use the Word é Correctly in English Writing
Writers should consider their audience when deciding whether or not to include accents. In formal or academic settings, using the proper accent is often expected. In casual or digital communication, however, it might be acceptable to omit it especially if the context is clear.
Best Practices
- Use é when quoting or writing in French and similar languages.
- Include the accent in borrowed words when it aids clarity.
- Avoid replacing é with apostrophes or leaving it out without good reason.
The e with an apostrophe on top, which is more accurately described as é with an acute accent, is a meaningful letter variation used in many languages to indicate pronunciation and stress. It is widely seen in English through loanwords from French and other languages. Though not an apostrophe, the acute accent serves a specific and important purpose. Understanding when and how to use é correctly ensures clear communication and respect for linguistic accuracy. Whether you’re writing a résumé, referencing a café, or typing a name like José, using the accented é demonstrates both care and correctness in language.