English Vocabulary

Words ending in –ise and –ize

Many English verbs can be spelt with either –ise or –ize. In American English –ize is preferred in these cases.

realize/realise (GB)
realize (US)
mechanize/mechanise (GB)
mechanize (US)
baptize/baptise (GB)
baptize (US)

Most words of two syllables, and some longer ones have –ise in both British and American English. Examples are:

surprise
exercise
advise
comprise
despise
compromise
improvise
supervise
televise
advertise

Notes

Capsize has –ize in both British and American English.

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