* Sound change: The pronunciation of words evolves over time. In the case of "bussiness," the "s" sound before the "i" eventually softened to a "z" sound, making it more natural to spell it with a "z" (as in "business").
* Standardization of spelling: English spelling underwent a significant period of standardization during the 16th and 17th centuries. This involved simplifying spellings and eliminating variations based on regional dialects. "Business" became the accepted standard spelling during this time.
* Analogical influence: The spelling "business" was likely influenced by similar words with the "-ness" suffix, such as "kindness" and "happiness."
Timeline:
* Early usage: The word "bussiness" appears in written English from the 14th century onwards.
* Transitional period: The spelling "business" begins to appear alongside "bussiness" in the 16th and 17th centuries.
* Standardization: By the 18th century, "business" had become the dominant and accepted spelling.
It's important to note that the transition from "bussiness" to "business" was not a dramatic event. The spelling change occurred gradually over time, reflecting the natural evolution of language and the desire for greater uniformity in spelling.