What's the Difference Between 'Recognise' and 'Recognize'?

In this blog post we look at when to use recognise and when to use recognize.

'Recognise' or 'Recognize'?

Recognise and recognize are two spellings of the same word that have the same meaning. Both spellings are used in English, but the use of each varies depending on the region or country.

In British English, the preferred spelling is "recognise," while in American English, the preferred spelling is "recognize."

This difference in spelling is a common example of the variations between British and American English, which also includes differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

The word "recognise" or "recognize" means to identify or become aware of something or someone. It can also mean to acknowledge or appreciate the value or significance of something or someone. 

In conclusion, both spellings of "recognise" and "recognize" are acceptable, but the preference for one or the other varies depending on the region or country.

It is important to be aware of the spelling conventions used in your particular context and to use them consistently in your writing.

Here are some additional example sentences to illustrate the difference between "recognise" and "recognize":

  • She recognised the melody as soon as she heard it, even though she had not listened to it in years. (British English)

  • She recognized the melody as soon as she heard it, even though she had not listened to it in years. (American English)

  • He was recognised as one of the best chefs in the city and was awarded several culinary awards. (British English)

  • He was recognized as one of the best chefs in the city and was awarded several culinary awards. (American English)

  • The company recognised the potential of the new technology and invested heavily in its development. (British English)

  • The company recognized the potential of the new technology and invested heavily in its development. (American English)

  • She recognised the error in her calculations and corrected it before submitting her report. (British English)

  • She recognized the error in her calculations and corrected it before submitting her report. (American English)

In these examples, the words "recognise" and "recognize" both refer to the act of becoming aware of or acknowledging something. The only difference is the spelling, which varies depending on the context and location.


Recognise or Recognize
Recognise or Recognize