-ise
suffix
UK/aɪz/ or /aɪs/US
Used chiefly in British English to form verbs meaning ‘to make,’ ‘to become,’ or ‘to bring about’ a particular state or condition. It is equivalent to the American English suffix ‘-ize.’ Examples include ‘realise’ (to become aware of), ‘organise’ (to arrange systematically), and ‘recognise’ (to identify or acknowledge).
Example Sentences
He decided to organise the event thoroughly, ensuring that each stage of planning ran smoothly.
Many British publishers standardise spelling to maintain consistency across texts and documentation.
The manager tried to familiarise the new employees with all the company policies on their first day, introducing them to the team and office layout.
Patients must socialise regularly to maintain mental health, as frequent isolation can contribute to depression or anxiety.
Her intention was to realise her childhood dream of publishing a best-selling novel, so she wrote for several hours each day.
Politicians often criticise each other’s policies, debating which approaches will yield the best results for the public.
One of her tasks was to computerise old paper records, converting them into digital databases for easier access and management.
To prioritise sustainability, the company implemented recycling programs and switched to energy-efficient lighting, demonstrating its commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Creates verbs indicating to cause, become, or engage in an action, mostly in British English.This suffix commonly appears in British English to form verbs expressing an action or transformation. For example, 'realise' means to become aware of something, 'organise' to arrange or coordinate, and 'authorise' to grant authority. It parallels the '-ize' suffix in American English, although some British writers also accept '-ize' forms, especially in scientific or international contexts. When you see a word ending in '-ise,' it typically signals that someone or something is being transformed or made to enter a certain state. In your writing or speech, you’ll employ '-ise' when adhering to British standards or certain style guides, such as those of British publishers or academic institutions. If you need to maintain consistency in a single document or site, decide in advance whether you’ll use '-ise' or '-ize' forms and apply that choice throughout. When encountering a new root word, check reputable dictionaries to confirm whether '-ise' or '-ize' is preferred, as not all verbs neatly convert from the root form to both variants.
Alternatives
The primary alternative in modern English is '-ize,' favored in American usage. Some style guides (including Oxford) allow '-ize' even in British English for its historical links to the Greek '-izo' root. Other verb-forming suffixes with a similar sense include '-en' (e.g., 'strengthen') and '-fy' (e.g., 'clarify'), though these often imply a slightly different connotation (making something have a quality, or turning it into a certain state). In casual contexts, both '-ise' and '-ize' are understandable, but consistency in formal writing is typically expected. Opt for one according to your audience, publisher requirements, or educational guidelines.
Writing
When writing, especially for a British audience, '-ise' endings can convey authenticity and respect for regional spelling norms. Double-check your root words against British dictionaries (e.g., the Collins, Chambers, or Oxford) to ensure that '-ise' is indeed an accepted or preferred form. Some verbs are fixed in spelling—like 'advertise' or 'surprise'—and can’t simply switch to '-ize.' Overusing newly coined '-ise' forms can confuse readers if the word isn’t standard, so rely on well-established usage. If you collaborate with international colleagues, coordinate style decisions in advance—especially if you’re producing content for an international readership or in academic journals. Properly used, '-ise' words blend seamlessly into British texts and reinforce clarity. Just remain aware of any guidelines from your institution or publisher regarding spelling conventions.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you’ll notice '-ise' in plenty of common words like 'finalise,' 'criticise,' and 'modernise.' While Americans more often write 'finalize' or 'criticize,' most people still understand the '-ise' variants perfectly well. If you’re chatting with friends from different regions, you don’t typically need to worry too much about uniform spelling; the meaning remains clear. Still, if you do frequent or professional writing, it’s worth being conscious of your audience and consistent in your choice. In casual text messages, social media, or friendly emails, you can comfortably use '-ise' if that’s the norm in your area—or if you just prefer it. Consistency in a single piece of text is generally more important than which version you choose.
Etymology
Rooted in the Greek verb suffix '-izein' (Latinized as '-izare'), the form eventually became '-iser' in Old French. English borrowed many of these words through French, which is why we see '-ise' prevalent in British spelling. Over time, spelling norms diverged between British and American usage, resulting in two main variants: '-ise' and '-ize.' Despite the difference in spelling, both suffixes share a common heritage—indicating transformation or an act of making something become a certain way. This divergence illustrates the broader historical split between American and British English conventions, though many British dictionaries still permit '-ize' due to its direct classical origin.