Apologise vs Apologize

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What’s the difference between them?

Apologise

Meaning:

To express regret or ask for forgiveness for a mistake or offense.

Examples:

1. I want to apologise for being late to the meeting.

2. She apologised for accidentally spilling the drink.

3. I apologise if I have offended you in any way.

Apologize

Meaning:

Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in American English.

Examples:

1. I want to apologize for my behavior last night.

2. I apologize for being late this morning.

3. She apologized for not returning his call sooner.

Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference

Synonyms

Antonyms

Apologise

Say sorry

express regret

There are no direct antonyms for this word.

Apologize

Say sorry

express regret

There are no direct antonyms for this word.

Tricks for mastery

Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Apologise", "Apologize".

1. Remember that the letter 's' appears in the British English spelling of apologise.

2. Remember that the letter 'z' appears in the American English spelling of apologize.

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Frequently asked questions

When to use the first word 'Apologise'?

Apologise is the preferred spelling in British English and is used to express an admission of error, regret, or remorse. It is used when apologizing to someone for wronging them.

When to use the second word 'Apologize'?

Apologize is the preferred spelling in American English and is also used to express an admission of error, regret, or remorse. It is used when apologizing to someone for wronging them.

Do the words have the same pronunciation?

Yes, both words have the same pronunciation. The 's' or the 'z' sound at the end of the word is silent.

What are common mistakes associated with words 'Apologise' and 'Apologize'?

Some people often confuse the two words when writing, thinking they are interchangeable. However, it is important to use the correct spelling based on the English standard you are using.

Fill in the gaps to check yourself

1. When youre in London, its common to hear people ___ for almost everything, even when its not their fault!

2. In American schools, kids are taught to ___ using the letter z.

3. How do you ___ in your country when you accidentally bump into someone?

4. The Oxford Dictionary recommends using the s variant to ___ in formal writing.

5. After watching an American movie, I noticed that characters often ___ differently than what Im used to.

6. Its important to ___ when you make a mistake, regardless of where you are.

1. apologise

Explanation: The mention of London gives a clue that the British spelling apologise with an s should be used.

2. apologize

Explanation: The reference to American schools and the letter z clearly indicates the American spelling apologize with a z.

3. apologise/apologize

Explanation: Theres no specific hint towards either British or American English in this sentence, so both variants are accepted.

4. apologise

Explanation: The clue Oxford Dictionary indicates British English, hence apologise with an s is the correct choice.

5. apologize

Explanation: The mention of an American movie suggests the American spelling apologize with a z.

6. apologise/apologize

Explanation: This sentence doesnt hint towards either British or American English, so both spelling variants are acceptable.

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List of Commonly Confused Words

Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.