Realise or realize? Which one is correct?
Realize or realise? It may seem obvious that the two sound, look and are even spelt in the same way. When we, however, realise how many differences we can distinguish between the two, we may consider this quite a big discovery in our journey of mastering English.
Realize or realise? What’s the difference?
Realize and realise are just alternate spelling version of the same word. The basic distinction seems to be between American English and British English, which generally can be true. In more detail, in the US and Canada, realize is more common. On the other hand, in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand realise is more common, however realize is also used.
Realize or realise? All depends on the context
Realize and realise are then both acceptable alternatives for the same word which means “to become aware of or bring into being”. The only difference is their role in different English-speaking communities. If you are an American writing for global audience, you are more likely to write realize, however a British national writing for global audience will spell it as realise. Authors writing for specific audiences should have it in mind. A point to remember is also consistency – to use it in accordance with other rules, peculiar to American and British English.
Examples (depending on origin)
- For the first time in my life I realised that sport actually makes sense and that the dedication and training are worth it.
The Irish Times
We’re living in science fiction, but we don’t realize it.
Terry Pratchett (writing internationally)
