Sage-Tips

Is ize used in British English?

The suffix ‑ize has been in use in the UK since the 15th century, and is the spelling variation used in North American English. The Oxford use of ‑ize does not extend to the spelling of words not traced to the Greek ‑izo suffix.

What is the American word of Realise?

Realise and realize are different spellings of the same word, and they can be used interchangeably. Both are common throughout the English-speaking world, though in different areas. Realize is preferred in American and Canadian English, while realise is preferred outside North America.

What words have ize in them?

Words That Contain IZE

• baize.
• bizes.
• dizen.
• maize.
• mizen.
• prize.
• seize.
• sized.

Is Cambridge Dictionary British or American?

The Cambridge dictionary gives your child definitions from both the British and American English dictionaries. Your child can also use it to: see differences in spelling. hear differences in pronunciation – for example, listen to how the word aunt is said in the UK and the USA.

What is the correct way to spell -ize in British English?

This answer is based on comments, including a British English speaker, and internet research. Most British speakers and publications use -ise endings. However, as you have pointed out, Oxford Spellinguses -ize. This has led to some British English publications and speakers using -ize, while most ignore the guideline and continue to use -ise.

What is the difference between -ize and -Ise?

The -ize spelling is often incorrectly seen as an Americanism in Britain [and here — Ed.] , although it has been in use since the 15th century, predating -ise by over a century. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) recommends -ize and notes that the -ise spelling is from French.

What is the difference between -Ise and -yse spelling?

The -ize spelling is exclusively US = MYTH. The -ize spelling is far from being a modern invention. In fact, you could say it’s Greek. Some authoritative British journalism style guides recommend the -ise spelling. Overall, there is a marked preference in British English writing for the -ise, -yse spellings.

When did the times change its spelling to -Ise?

As mentioned in my earlier blog on the topic, several British style guides favour -ise, and The Times changed to that spelling in 1992. As for dictionaries, even Oxford show the -ise spelling as an alternative in their online dictionary (NB: this is not the OED .)