Finalized vs. Finalised: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on November 13, 2023
Both "finalized" and "finalised" mean to complete or make final, with "finalized" being the American English spelling and "finalised" the British English spelling.
Key Differences
Finalized, commonly used in American English, denotes the act of completing or finishing something, typically a process or agreement. Finalised, in British English, carries the same meaning, signifying the completion of an action or decision.
When a document or plan is finalized, it means it has reached its conclusive form in American English usage. Similarly, when a plan or agreement is finalised, as per British English conventions, it has been completed and is no longer subject to change.
The term finalized is often used in business and legal contexts in the United States to indicate that a deal or proposal has been officially completed. Finalised serves the same purpose in the UK, indicating that something has been formally concluded.
In technology and software development, when a product or software version is finalized in the U.S., it means it is ready for release or deployment. Finalised, in the UK context, is used similarly to denote that a product has undergone all necessary stages of development and is ready for public use.
Finalized also appears in academic and scientific writing in the U.S., indicating that a research or study has been completed. In British academic contexts, finalised is used to convey the completion of a research project or study.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Variance
American English
British English
Usage in Formal Documents
Common in U.S. official documents
Common in UK official documents
Business Context
Used in American corporate communication
Used in British corporate communication
Academic Writing
Preferred in U.S. academic papers
Preferred in UK academic papers
Legal Terminology
Used in American legal contexts
Used in British legal contexts
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Finalized and Finalised Definitions
Finalized
Made final or firm.
The event date was finalized last week.
Finalised
Concluded in all aspects.
The research was finalised and ready for publication.
Finalized
Settled conclusively.
The plans for the new building were finalized.
Finalised
Completed conclusively.
The merger was finalised after approval from the board.
Finalized
Completed in all details.
The report was finalized and submitted.
Finalised
Made definite or firm.
The agenda was finalised yesterday.
Finalized
Brought to completion.
The contract was finalized after lengthy negotiations.
Finalised
Established beyond revision.
The trip itinerary was finalised with no further changes.
Finalized
Decided beyond alteration.
The schedule was finalized with no room for changes.
Finalised
Brought to an end.
The project was finalised ahead of schedule.
Finalized
To put into final form; complete.
Finalised
Simple past tense and past participle of finalise
Finalized
Simple past tense and past participle of finalize
FAQs
Is "finalised" a different word from "finalized"?
No, "finalised" is simply the British English spelling of the American English "finalized."
Can "finalized" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "finalized" is appropriate for formal writing in American English contexts.
Is "finalised" acceptable in American English?
While understandable, "finalised" is less common in American English and may be marked as a spelling error.
What does "finalized" mean?
"Finalized" means to complete or make a decision about the final details of something.
Which industries commonly use the term "finalized"?
It's used across various industries, including business, law, and project management.
How do you pronounce "finalised"?
It's pronounced as /ˈfaɪnəlaɪzd/, similar to "finalized."
What is the American English noun form of "finalized"?
The noun form in American English is "finalization."
What part of speech is "finalized"?
"Finalized" is a verb, specifically the past tense of "finalize."
Can "finalised" be used as an adjective?
Yes, in the form "finalised plans" or "finalised report," it functions as an adjective.
Is "finalized" commonly used in everyday speech?
Yes, it's commonly used to indicate the completion of plans, agreements, or projects.
Can "finalized" be used in a legal context?
Yes, it's often used in legal contexts to indicate that an agreement or document is complete.
Are there any synonyms for "finalized"?
Yes, words like "completed," "concluded," or "settled" can be synonyms.
Is the spelling "finalized" changing in British English?
No, British English generally maintains the "finalised" spelling.
Are there any common mistakes made with "finalized"?
A common mistake is using "finalized" in British English contexts, where "finalised" is preferred.
Is there a noun form of "finalised"?
Yes, the noun form is "finalisation" in British English.
Can "finalised" be used in academic writing?
Yes, in British English academic writing, "finalised" is appropriate.
How do you use "finalized" in a sentence?
Example: "The contract was finalized after lengthy negotiations."
What is the past participle of "finalize"?
The past participle is "finalized" in American English and "finalised" in British English.
In which English-speaking countries is "finalised" more common?
It's more common in the UK, Australia, and other countries where British English is used.
Can "finalised" be used in emails and formal correspondence?
Yes, in British English contexts, "finalised" is suitable for emails and formal letters.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
