When is a book "titled" and when is a book "entitled"?
I was listening to an NPR show an hour ago. The host introduced the author, and then said “Here’s his new book, titled <whatever it was>.
That seemed wrong to me – I was expecting to here the host say “Here’s the new book, entitled <whatever>.
When would you use one or the other?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
12 Answers
They are one in the same; so, I guess it’s up to the person speaking which form they prefer…although entitled has been accepted as the preferred form to be used.
IMO, I would also use ‘titled’ in that instance.
Entitled does mean the same thing, but mostly that is used in referring to a human condition now, as opposed to a book title….haha!
it sounds informal enough to where you should use “titled.”
A book is entitled when it expects good things to happen to it for no work :P
No, but my guess is that “entitled” is the older term. “Entitle” is a verb meaning “to give a title”, “title” being a noun. English used to keep verbs and nouns more separate. Now just about any noun can be “verbed”, thus you have the newer verb “to title”, which makes “entitle” unnecessary in this context. Still, it’s more “proper”.
I don’t understand entitled meaning anything other than a person/s feeling/saying like he/she is deserving enough to expect whatever to get something good, or “good” .
Bibles feel entitled to sit in motel drawers. ~
I don’t think a book can be “entitled.” Only people can be, or feel like, they’re entitled.
Actually, the definition of the word “entitled” was “named” for centuries. It was only in the late 20th century that the definition of the word was changed & the reference was changed to “titled”. Originally, the word “titled” referred to a person of nobility who carried a title.
It’s one of those things that has been a generational change. For centuries “entitled” was the preferred usage; however, currently “titled” has become the preferred usage. I guess us old farts can use it any way we please because we’re presumed to be wrong anyway!!!
I would probably use entitled as well. It seems to imply the passive voice. Guess I’m an old fart and a librarian..
Isn’t “titled” and “entitled” redundant? Kind of like “dethaw”....which some people still use. :/
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
