Spelling list: Words ending in -ic

There are two ways of spelling the /ik/ sound at the end of a word, but don’t worry: there’s a simple rule to help you remember which spelling pattern to use:

If a word has one syllable: use ick to spell the /ik/ sound at the end of a word. BUT if a word has two or more syllables, use ic to spell the /ik/ sound at the end of a word.

As the words in this list have more than one syllable, they use the -ic spelling.

-ic words are often nouns or adjectives. When they are adjectives, they are sometimes used to describe things that have the qualities or characteristics of a noun. For example, if something is scientific, it is associated with science.

attic	We have stored our old CDs in the attic.
panic	If she gets lost she will panic.
traffic	The police started to divert the traffic.
comic	The film was full of comic moments.
clinic	She had an appointment at the antenatal clinic.
drastic	He needs to make drastic cuts in his spending.
antic	The clown got up to some silly antics.
basic	Food is one of the basic needs for survival.
classic	Classic cars can cost more than new ones.
drastic	He needs to make drastic cuts in his spending.
arctic	The North Pole is in the Arctic.
electric	I used an electric whisk to make the cake.
athletic	The basketball player was very athletic.
atlantic	Our flight took us over the Atlantic.
aerobic	I did an aerobic workout at the gym today.
dramatic	The actor made a dramatic speech.
exotic	There were many exotic fish in the tank.
dyslexic	She loved stories even though she was dyslexic.