Antagonise vs. Antagonize — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Both spellings refer to the act of causing someone to become hostile, but "antagonise" is preferred in British English, while "antagonize" is used in American English.
Difference Between Antagonise and Antagonize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Antagonise is commonly used in British English to describe the action of making someone hostile or unfriendly. Whereas, antagonize follows the same definition but is the spelling adopted by American English. This variation in spelling reflects broader differences in British and American English, including other words like "realise" vs. "realize."
In written communication, choosing the correct form of the word can affect the perception of the text's formality and locality. On the other hand, using "antagonize" in an American context aligns with standard spelling conventions, which could be important for maintaining consistency in professional or academic writing.
When it comes to educational settings, British schools teach the "antagonise" spelling as part of their curriculum. Whereas, American schools focus on the "antagonize" form, reinforcing these regional spelling norms from a young age.
In literature and media, authors and publishers often choose a spelling that corresponds with their audience's expectations. Whereas, American authors typically use "antagonize" to ensure familiarity and readability for their predominantly American audience.
Regarding online content, websites often localize their language to suit their primary audience, using "antagonise" for British readers. On the other hand, American websites opt for "antagonize," potentially using language localization software to switch between these forms based on user location.
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Comparison Chart
Preferred Region
British English
American English
Example Words (Similar)
Organise, realise, analyse
Organize, realize, analyze
Phonetic Pronunciation
/ˈantəɡənʌɪz/
/ˈæntəɡəˌnaɪz/
Usage in Literature
Common in UK publications
Common in US publications
Recognition in Spell-check
UK settings
US settings
Compare with Definitions
Antagonise
To engage in conflict.
The debate team's strategy is to antagonise their opponents emotionally.
Antagonize
To cause someone to become hostile.
He didn't want to antagonize his supervisor with constant complaints.
Antagonise
To act in opposition to.
She didn't mean to antagonise the committee with her questions.
Antagonize
To provoke or incite opposition.
The new policy did more to antagonize the staff than to bring them together.
Antagonise
To cause someone to become hostile.
His blunt comments tend to antagonise his colleagues.
Antagonize
To engage in conflict.
Their approach in negotiations was clearly meant to antagonize the other side.
Antagonise
To provoke or incite opposition.
The politician's rhetoric was designed to antagonise the opposition.
Antagonize
To act in opposition to.
They continue to antagonize the efforts of the environmental groups.
Antagonise
To incur the dislike of others.
His competitive nature can antagonise his peers.
Antagonize
To incur the dislike of others.
His assertive manner can easily antagonize others.
Antagonise
Antagonise is the second album by Dutch metal supergroup MaYaN. It was released on January 31, 2014. The 11-song CD, recorded at the Sandlane studio with producer Joost van den Broek (ReVamp, Stream of Passion), features guest appearances by Floor Jansen (After Forever, ReVamp), and future band member Marcela Bovio (Stream of Passion).
Antagonize
To incur the dislike of; provoke hostility or enmity in
Antagonized her officemates with her rude behavior.
Antagonise
Standard spelling of antagonize
Antagonize
To counteract.
Antagonise
Act in opposition to
Antagonize
(transitive) To work against; to oppose especially to incite reaction
The other children constantly antagonized Joe to the point of tears.
Antagonise
Provoke the hostility of;
Don't antagonize your boss
Antagonize
To contend with; to oppose actively; to counteract.
Antagonize
To act in opposition.
Antagonize
Provoke the hostility of;
Don't antagonize your boss
Antagonize
Act in opposition to
Common Curiosities
What does antagonize mean?
Antagonize has the same meaning as antagonise, but it is the preferred spelling in American English.
Are antagonise and antagonize interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable in meaning but differ in regional spelling preferences.
Can using the wrong spelling of antagonise/antagonize affect my grade?
In academic settings, consistent use of regional spelling can impact grading, so it's important to use the correct version.
Which spelling should I use in academic writing?
Use "antagonise" in British English contexts and "antagonize" in American English contexts.
How do I remember the difference between antagonise and antagonize?
Remember that "ise" is common in British English, whereas "ize" is used in American English.
Should I use antagonise or antagonize in professional emails?
Match the spelling to the predominant language style of your audience or company standards.
What is the origin of the different spellings?
The differences arise from the standardization of language spellings in British and American English.
What does antagonise mean?
Antagonise means to provoke someone to hostility or anger, primarily used in British English.
Are there other words similar to antagonise/antagonize in spelling variation?
Yes, words like organise/organize and realise/realize follow similar regional spelling rules.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between antagonise and antagonize?
The pronunciation is largely the same, though regional accents might slightly alter how they are spoken.
Do online tools correct the spelling of antagonise/antagonize based on location?
Many word processors and online platforms adjust spelling recommendations based on the set language preference.
Will using antagonise in the U.S. be considered a spelling mistake?
It might be marked as incorrect in spell-check systems set to American English.
Does the media influence the use of antagonise vs. antagonize?
Yes, media within a region typically uses the spelling that aligns with local norms.
Is one form more correct than the other?
Neither form is more correct; it depends on the regional language standards.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
