Realise vs Realize
What’s the difference between them?
Realise
Meaning:
To become aware of or understand something, typically for the first time.
Examples:
1. She was surprised to realise how much work had been done.
2. I slowly began to realise how much I had taken for granted.
3. I realised I had made a mistake and tried to fix it.
Realize
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is used in American English.
Examples:
1. I finally realized my dream of becoming a lawyer.
2. I didn't realize how much this project would cost until I received the final bill.
3. It took me a while, but I finally realized how important it is to be organized.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Realise
1. Recognize
2. Understand
3. Comprehend
Ignore
Realize
1. Recognize
2. Understand
3. Comprehend
Ignore
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Realise", "Realize".
1. Realise has a 's' at the end, and is the British spelling of the word. Realize has a 'z' at the end, and is the American spelling of the word.
2. Think of it this way: British 'Realise' ends in the letter 's' like the word 'surprise'.
3. Think of it this way: American 'Realize' ends in the letter 'z' like the word 'dazzle'.
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Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word?
The first word, 'realise', is the spelling that is most commonly used outside of North American English. It is used in British English and other varieties of English spoken around the world. You should use this spelling when writing for an international audience or when writing in a non-American context.
When to use the second word?
The second word, 'realize', is the spelling that is most commonly used in North American English. It should be used in contexts where you are writing for an American audience or when writing for an American context.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words have the same pronunciation, regardless of the spelling. The stress is usually placed on the second syllable and the vowel sound in the first syllable is usually pronounced as an 'ah' sound.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'realise' and 'realize'?
A common mistake that people make is using the wrong spelling for the context. As mentioned above, 'realise' is more commonly used outside of North America while 'realize' is more commonly used within North AmericAdditionally, some people may forget to make the spelling distinction when they switch between writing for American and non-American contexts. It is important to remember to use the correct spelling for the audience you are writing for.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Did you ______ that the American spelling uses a z instead of an s in some words?
2. I didn’t ______ how late it was until the sun set.
3. In the UK, its common to ______ that words like organize are spelled with an s instead.
4. She didn’t ______ her mistake until the teacher pointed it out.
5. Its crucial to ______ that British English and American English have some spelling differences.
6. When did you first ______ that you wanted to learn English?
1. Answer: realize.
Explanation: The sentence gives a clue by mentioning the American spelling, which uses z instead of s in words like realize.
2. Answer: realise/realize.
Explanation: There is no direct clue in this sentence, so both variants are correct.
3. Answer: realise.
Explanation: The sentence provides a clue by mentioning in the UK, indicating that the British English spelling, realise, should be used.
4. Answer: realize/realise.
Explanation: Without a direct clue in this sentence you can use both variants.
5. Answer: realise.
Explanation: The sentence talks about British English specifically, which serves as a clue to use the British English spelling realise.
6. Answer: realize/realise.
Explanation: There is no direct clue in this sentence, so both variants are correct.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
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.