-ising
suffix
UK/ˈaɪ.zɪŋ/ or /ˈaɪ.sɪŋ/US
Used in British English to form present participles and gerunds from verbs ending in '-ise,' indicating an ongoing action or process. Equivalent to American English '-izing.' Examples include ‘organising’ (the act or process of arranging systematically), ‘realising’ (the act or process of becoming aware), and ‘criticising’ (the act or process of expressing disapproval or evaluating).
Example Sentences
They are currently organising a fundraiser to support the local animal shelter.
While realising the full impact of her discovery, she began drafting a proposal for further research.
He spent the morning criticising the report, pointing out areas that lacked sufficient evidence.
Our team is prioritising tasks this week to meet the tight project deadline.
Social media users kept emphasising the need for clear communication to avoid misunderstandings.
We are standardising all documentation to ensure consistent formatting across the entire organisation.
The board is finalising the merger agreement after months of negotiations and due diligence, marking a significant milestone for both companies.
In British English, verbs ending in '-ise' form their continuous tenses with '-ising,' whereas American English typically spells the same forms with '-izing.'
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Suffix forming verbs to express process or change.The suffix “-ising” (predominantly in British English) is added to roots (often nouns or adjectives) to form verbs that signify the act of becoming or causing something to become. For instance, “modernising” describes making something modern, while “organising” refers to putting something in order or structure. By attaching “-ising,” the verb highlights the ongoing or progressive nature of an action, implying a transformation or process. This suffix is often interchanged with “-izing” in American English (e.g., “organizing” vs. “organising”). When you encounter “-ising” verbs, they generally carry the sense of actively turning one state or condition into another. In writing, ensure consistency in your spelling style (British vs. American), and remember that the choice is largely a matter of convention rather than significant difference in meaning.
Alternatives
In American English, the equivalent suffix is often spelled “-izing.” Another way to convey transformation without the suffix is to use phrases like “making something more [adjective],” “turning something into [noun],” or “causing [noun] to become [adjective/noun].” For instance, instead of “modernising,” you might say “making it modern” or “transforming it into a modern version.” The choice ultimately depends on stylistic preference and regional spelling standards.
Writing
When writing formally, maintain consistency in using either British (“-ising”) or American (“-izing”) spelling throughout your piece. Many fields, such as academia or international publications, accept both, but style guides typically encourage picking one and sticking to it. Pay attention to word formation rules: typically, you attach “-ising” to a root word without doubling letters, unless required by standard spelling conventions (e.g., “realise” vs. “realising,” “finalise” vs. “finalising”). Be mindful that some words have alternative spellings or slightly nuanced definitions depending on region and usage. Using “-ising” can impart a sense of process or transformation, so it’s well-suited for discussing ongoing developments or changes in a formal context.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you might spot “-ising” verbs more in British English contexts, like “organising” a party or “realising” something important. Most people won’t fuss about spelling differences in casual speech, and many modern devices use autocorrect settings that vary by region. If you’re chatting informally, you can simply say “I’m making plans” or “I just noticed” instead of using the “-ising” verbs. That said, if you’re talking to someone used to American English, expect them to use the “-izing” forms; it’s typically just a spelling preference rather than a major difference in meaning.
Etymology
The suffix “-ising” traces its roots to Greek via Latin, where the “-izein” or “-izare” forms denoted ‘to make into’ or ‘to become.’ Over centuries, through French and later into Middle English, the suffix evolved into both “-ise” and “-ize” variants. British English generally favors “-ise” in many words, while American English often standardizes around “-ize.” Though the two forms diverged in spelling, their functions remain identical: they express the idea of enacting change, transformation, or the process of becoming.