Specialise vs. Specialize: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sara Rehman || Updated on November 14, 2023
"Specialise" and "specialize" are the same in meaning, referring to focusing on a specific area, but "specialise" is British English, while "specialize" is American English.
Key Differences
"Specialise" and "specialize" both mean to concentrate on and become expert in a particular subject or skill. The primary difference lies in their usage across different forms of English. "Specialise" is commonly used in British English, while "specialize" is the preferred spelling in American English.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
In terms of pronunciation, "specialise" and "specialize" sound the same. Both words are derived from the Latin word "specialis," meaning "particular" or "distinct." This etymological root is a common factor in both spellings.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Both "specialise" and "specialize" are verbs. Their usage in sentences is interchangeable, with the only distinction being the regional preference for spelling. For example, academic and professional texts in the UK will predominantly use "specialise."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
The suffixes "-ise" and "-ize" in "specialise" and "specialize" respectively represent a common divergence in British and American English spellings. This pattern is seen in other words like "realise/realize" and "organise/organize."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Despite their spelling differences, "specialise" and "specialize" have the same grammatical applications. They can be used in various tenses and forms without any difference in their meaning or function in a sentence.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Commonly used in the UK and Commonwealth
Predominantly used in the United States
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Pronunciation
Pronounced the same as "specialize"
Pronounced the same as "specialise"
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Grammatical Function
Same as "specialize" in all grammatical forms
Same as "specialise" in all grammatical forms
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
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Specialise and Specialize Definitions
Specialise
To focus on a specific subject or skill.
She decided to specialise in pediatric medicine.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Specialize
To gain expertise in a specific field or subject.
He specialized in 18th-century English literature.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Specialise
To become increasingly proficient in a particular area.
He chose to specialise in maritime law.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Specialize
To focus on a specific area of study or work.
She chose to specialize in neurology.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Specialise
To tailor services or products to a particular customer or need.
The firm decided to specialise in bespoke furniture.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
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Specialize
To cater specifically to a certain market or demographic.
The company specializes in high-end audio equipment.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Specialise
To adapt or evolve for a specific function or environment.
This species has specialised to survive in arid conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Specialize
To develop unique features or skills for a particular role or environment.
The plant has specialized leaves for capturing sunlight efficiently.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Specialise
To restrict oneself to providing a particular product or service.
The bakery started to specialise in vegan pastries.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Specialize
To limit one's business or activity to a particular area of expertise.
After years of expansion, the restaurant decided to specialize in Italian cuisine.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Specialize
To pursue a special activity, occupation, or field of study
A doctor who specializes in cardiology.
Sara Rehman
Mar 22, 2023
Specialise
Devote oneself to a special area of work;
She specializes in honey bees
This plumber specialized in jacuzzis
Sara Rehman
Mar 22, 2023
Specialize
To provide something in particular or have something as a focus
The shop specializes in mountain-climbing gear.
Sara Rehman
Mar 22, 2023
Specialise
Be specific about;
Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?
Sara Rehman
Mar 22, 2023
Specialize
(Biology) To become adapted to a specific function or environment; undergo specialization.
Sara Rehman
Mar 22, 2023
Specialise
Evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment
Sara Rehman
Mar 22, 2023
FAQs
Do "specialise" and "specialize" have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced identically.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Do "specialise" and "specialize" have the same grammatical usage?
Yes, their grammatical usage is identical.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Are there any spelling variations of "specialise/specialize" in different English-speaking countries?
Yes, "specialise" is preferred in the UK and Commonwealth countries, while "specialize" is preferred in the US.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
What is the origin of "specialise/specialize"?
Both come from the Latin "specialis," meaning "specific" or "distinct."
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Can "specialise" and "specialize" be part of compound words?
Yes, they can form compound words like "specialised/specialized training."
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Can both "specialise" and "specialize" be used in various tenses?
Yes, both can be used in different tenses without any change in meaning.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Are there other words similar to "specialise/specialize" with regional spelling differences?
Yes, words like "realise/realize" and "organise/organize" follow similar patterns.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
In academic writing, should I use "specialise" or "specialize"?
It depends on the preferred English form of the institution or publication.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Are "specialise" and "specialize" interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable but used in different forms of English.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Is "specialize" acceptable in British English?
"Specialize" is less common in British English but is still correct.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Is the meaning of "specialise" and "specialize" different in professional contexts?
No, they have the same meaning in all contexts.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Can "specialise" be used in American English?
While not standard, it can be understood in American English.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can "specialise" and "specialize" be used as nouns?
No, they are strictly verbs; the noun forms are "specialisation" and "specialization."
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Are there any exceptions to the rule of using "specialise" in British English and "specialize" in American English?
Generally, no; these are the standard forms in their respective versions of English.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Are there any synonyms for "specialise/specialize"?
Yes, words like "focus," "concentrate," and "expertise" can be similar in meaning.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Can "specialise" and "specialize" be used in informal contexts?
Yes, they are appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Do "specialise" and "specialize" have any different connotations?
No, they carry the same connotations in all contexts.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Is it common to see "specialise" and "specialize" in business language?
Yes, both are commonly used in business and professional language.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
How do I know whether to use "specialise" or "specialize"?
Consider the regional English you are writing in; use "specialise" for British English and "specialize" for American English.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Is it incorrect to use "specialize" in a British English document?
It's not incorrect, but "specialise" is the preferred form in British English.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
