Uniformise vs. Uniformize: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 23, 2024
"Uniformise" and "uniformize" both mean to make uniform, but "uniformise" is primarily used in British English, while "uniformize" is the preferred spelling in American English.
Key Differences
"Uniformise" is a term commonly found in British English, meaning to make things uniform or consistent. This spelling aligns with British conventions that often use "ise" instead of "ize." "Uniformize," on the other hand, is used in American English, adhering to the American preference for the "ize" ending in similar verbs. This distinction is reflective of broader differences between British and American English spellings.
Both terms convey the same action of making something uniform, whether it be processes, styles, or appearances. Despite their identical meanings, the choice between them depends on the regional spelling conventions of English.
While "uniformise" may appear in British texts, American texts will generally use "uniformize." Readers familiar with one variant may recognize the other, though it may seem less common or slightly unfamiliar.
These differences are part of a larger pattern of spelling variations between British and American English, where other verbs such as "realise" and "realize" follow similar regional preferences.
Comparison Chart
Preferred Region
British English
American English
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Spelling Variation
Uses "ise" ending
Uses "ize" ending
Usage Frequency
More common in UK texts
More common in US texts
Example Sentence
E.g., "They aim to uniformise procedures."
E.g., "They aim to uniformize procedures."
Language Conventions
Aligns with other British spellings
Aligns with other American spellings
Uniformise and Uniformize Definitions
Uniformise
To make consistent or identical.
The company plans to uniformise its policies across all branches.
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Uniformize
To make consistent or identical.
The organization aims to uniformize its regulations.
Uniformise
Make uniform in character.
They tried to uniformise the teaching methods.
Uniformize
Standardize in appearance or form.
Plans are underway to uniformize the branding.
Uniformise
Apply the same method throughout.
The goal is to uniformise the training programs.
Uniformize
Harmonize differing elements.
The initiative was to uniformize the safety protocols.
Uniformise
Standardize in appearance or form.
Efforts were made to uniformise the uniforms.
Uniformize
Apply the same method throughout.
The strategy is to uniformize the curriculum.
Uniformise
Harmonize differing elements.
The team worked to uniformise the procedures.
Uniformize
Make uniform in character.
They sought to uniformize the service standards.
Uniformise
Alternative spelling of uniformize
Uniformize
(transitive) To make uniform; to make the same throughout.
Uniformise
Make uniform;
The data have been uniformized
Uniformize
(mathematics) To carry out a process of uniformization, by which a multiple-valued function on a Riemann surface is converted to a single-valued function.
Uniformize
Make uniform;
The data have been uniformized
FAQs
What does "uniformise" mean?
"Uniformise" means to make things uniform or consistent, commonly used in British English.
What does "uniformize" mean?
"Uniformize" also means to make things uniform or consistent, but it is the American English spelling.
Are "uniformise" and "uniformize" interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable in meaning but differ in regional spelling conventions.
Which English variant uses "uniformise"?
British English uses "uniformise."
Can "uniformise" be used in American English?
It can be, but it would be less common and might seem unusual to American readers.
Is "uniformize" a modern spelling?
"Uniformize" aligns with modern American spelling conventions.
Do other verbs follow similar regional spelling patterns?
Yes, verbs like "realise/realize" and "organise/organize" follow similar patterns.
Is one spelling considered more correct than the other?
Neither is more correct; each is appropriate in its respective regional context.
Which English variant uses "uniformize"?
American English uses "uniformize."
Are there other examples of British vs. American spelling differences?
Yes, examples include "colour/color," "theatre/theater," and "centre/center."
Why do such spelling differences exist?
They exist due to historical developments, preferences, and influences in British and American English.
Should writers stick to one spelling in a document?
Yes, for consistency, it's best to use one spelling throughout a document.
Why do British and American English have different spellings for the same word?
The differences stem from historical preferences and standardizations in each region.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between "uniformise" and "uniformize"?
No, they are pronounced the same despite the spelling differences.
Are these spelling differences taught in schools?
Yes, regional spelling differences are often taught in schools in respective countries.
Can "uniformize" be used in British English?
It can be, but it might appear unconventional in British texts.
Can the use of one spelling cause confusion?
It might cause slight confusion if readers are unfamiliar with the regional spelling variant.
Do professional writers adhere to these regional spellings?
Professional writers typically adhere to the spelling conventions of their target audience's region.
Do dictionaries list both spellings?
Most comprehensive dictionaries list both spellings, noting their regional usage.
Is there a significant difference in usage frequency?
Yes, "uniformise" is more frequent in British texts, while "uniformize" is more frequent in American texts.
About Author
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.
