-ize
suffix
UK/aɪz/ or /aɪs/ (in British English with the -ise spelling)US/aɪz/
Used to form verbs meaning ‘to make or become something,’ or ‘to subject to an action or process.’ Stemming from Greek via Late Latin (and often spelled ‘-ise’ in British English), it appears in words like ‘realize’ (to become aware of or make real), ‘modernize’ (to make modern), and ‘authorize’ (to give authority).
Example Sentences
They hope to modernize the building by upgrading its electrical and plumbing systems.
It’s important to prioritize tasks so you can finalize essential work before focusing on smaller details.
Many software developers aim to optimize code, improving efficiency and reducing errors in applications.
The committee sought to democratize the decision-making process, inviting public comments and community votes.
He decided to personalize his workspace, placing family photos and motivational quotes around his desk.
You can capitalize on current trends by studying market data and adjusting your product line accordingly.
Critics of the plan argue that attempting to homogenize diverse cultures could erase important local identities.
She set out to visualize her project timeline using a digital calendar, color-coding each phase for clarity and easy management.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Indicates the process of making, becoming, or subjecting to a particular action or condition.The suffix '-ize' is used to form verbs that describe the process of making something or becoming a particular state or condition. For example, 'realize' means to make something real or to become aware of something; 'modernize' means to make something modern; 'sanitize' means to make something clean or free from germs. '-ize' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the transformation or action of something or someone. It is often used in science, business, and technology to describe processes or changes.
Alternatives
Related suffixes include '-ise' (used in British English), '-fic' (meaning to make or cause), and '-ify' (meaning to make or become). While '-ize' and '-ise' are often interchangeable, '-ize' is more commonly used in American English, while '-ise' is prevalent in British English.
Writing
In writing, '-ize' is frequently used to indicate processes or actions that lead to a specific result or state. For example, 'The company is working to modernize its operations.' This suffix helps convey the action of transformation or change, which is important in both academic and business writing for clarity and precision.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-ize' is commonly used to describe actions or processes, such as 'I’m going to organize the files' or 'She’s trying to realize her dream of becoming an artist.' It’s a simple and effective way to express actions or transformations in everyday speech.
Etymology
The suffix '-ize' originates from the Greek '-izein,' meaning 'to make' or 'to act in a certain way.' It was adopted into English through Latin and French and has been used since the 16th century to form verbs indicating the act of making or becoming. The '-ize' suffix has become a central part of English word formation, especially in formal, academic, and technical contexts.
