Regularise vs. Regularize: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 24, 2024
Regularise and regularize both mean to make something regular or systematic, but regularise is the British English spelling, while regularize is the American English spelling.
Key Differences
Regularise is the British English variant of the verb meaning to make regular or bring into conformity with rules. For instance, in British English, one might say, "The government plans to regularise the immigration process." Regularize is the American English spelling of the same verb and is used similarly in the U.S. context. An example in American English would be, "The agency aims to regularize the procedure for all applicants."
Both terms denote the action of making something conform to a standard, rule, or regular pattern. They are interchangeable in meaning but differ in regional spelling preferences. This distinction is similar to other British and American English spelling variations, such as "colour" versus "color" or "realise" versus "realize."
In formal writing and official documents, it is important to use the spelling that corresponds with the variant of English being used. This ensures clarity and consistency in communication, particularly in international contexts where the choice of spelling might indicate the writer's or the document's regional origin.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Make regular or bring into conformity with rules
Make regular or bring into conformity with rules
Spelling Variant
British English
American English
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Example Sentence
The government plans to regularise the immigration process.
The agency aims to regularize the procedure for all applicants.
Regional Usage
Used in countries that follow British English conventions
Used in countries that follow American English conventions
Other Examples
Regularise working hours, regularise standards
Regularize working hours, regularize standards
Regularise and Regularize Definitions
Regularise
To make something regular or systematic.
The company needs to regularise its payroll system to avoid errors.
Regularize
To establish rules or standards.
The new policy aims to regularize training procedures.
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Regularise
To bring into conformity with rules or standards.
Efforts are underway to regularise the documentation process across all departments.
Regularize
To bring into conformity with rules or standards.
Efforts are underway to regularize the documentation process across all departments.
Regularise
To standardize.
They plan to regularise the format of all reports for consistency.
Regularize
To make official or legal.
The council decided to regularize the informal settlements.
Regularise
To establish rules or standards.
The new policy aims to regularise training procedures.
Regularize
To make something regular or systematic.
The company needs to regularize its payroll system to avoid errors.
Regularise
To make official or legal.
The council decided to regularise the informal settlements.
Regularize
To standardize.
They plan to regularize the format of all reports for consistency.
Regularise
Standard spelling of regularize
Regularize
To make regular; cause to conform.
Regularise
Bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations;
We cannot regulate the way people dress
This town likes to regulate
Regularize
To make regular.
Regularizing spelling was an important step in the advancement of literary society.
Regularise
Make regular or more regular;
Regularize the heart beat with a pace maker
Regularize
To cause to become regular; to regulate.
Regularize
Bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations;
We cannot regulate the way people dress
This town likes to regulate
Regularize
Make regular or more regular;
Regularize the heart beat with a pace maker
FAQs
Which countries use regularise?
Countries that follow British English conventions, such as the UK, Australia, and Canada, use regularise.
Are regularise and regularize the same in meaning?
Yes, they have the same meaning but differ in spelling based on regional usage.
What does regularise mean?
Regularise means to make something regular, systematic, or in conformity with rules, used in British English.
Can regularise and regularize be used interchangeably?
They can be used interchangeably in terms of meaning, but the spelling should match the regional English variant.
What is an example of regularise in a sentence?
"The government plans to regularise the immigration process."
What does regularize mean?
Regularize means to make something regular, systematic, or in conformity with rules, used in American English.
What is an example of regularize in a sentence?
"The agency aims to regularize the procedure for all applicants."
Are there other examples of British vs. American spelling variations?
Yes, examples include "colour" (British) vs. "color" (American) and "realise" (British) vs. "realize" (American).
Does regularize imply legality?
Regularize can imply making something official or legal, similar to regularise.
Which countries use regularize?
Countries that follow American English conventions, primarily the United States, use regularize.
Is regularise more formal than regularize?
No, both terms are formal but are used in different regional contexts.
Does regularise imply legality?
Regularise can imply making something official or legal, similar to regularize.
Are there any industries where regularise is more commonly used?
Regularise is used in any industry within regions that follow British English conventions.
Can spell-check tools help with regularise and regularize?
Yes, spell-check tools can help ensure you are using the correct regional spelling.
How should I choose between regularise and regularize in my writing?
Use regularise if writing in British English and regularize if writing in American English.
Is regularise used in American English?
No, regularise is not typically used in American English; regularize is preferred.
Is regularize used in British English?
While regularize is understood in British English, regularise is preferred for consistency with British spelling conventions.
How do I know if I am using British or American English?
Look at the spelling conventions and vocabulary used in your writing or the audience you are addressing.
What is the main difference between regularise and regularize?
The main difference is the regional spelling variant, with regularise used in British English and regularize in American English.
Are there any industries where regularize is more commonly used?
Regularize is used in any industry within regions that follow American English conventions.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written 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.
