Baptised vs. Baptized — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
"Baptised" and "baptized" mean the same act of Christian initiation; "baptised" is British English, "baptized" American English.
Difference Between Baptised and Baptized
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Baptised is the past tense of baptise, reflecting the British English spelling where 's' is often used in place of the American 'z'. The word baptized is the American English form, where 'z' is commonly used in verbs.
Both baptised and baptized refer to the Christian sacrament of initiation involving water. The spelling difference does not reflect a difference in meaning or practice, merely the variation in English usage.
The choice between baptised and baptized can also indicate the intended audience or the origin of the text. British English tends to preserve more traditional spellings which often include 's', while American English has adopted spellings that reflect the pronunciation more closely, hence the 'z'.
In literature and formal writing, consistency in the use of either baptised or baptized is important for maintaining the flow and understanding. Writers will choose one form and stick to it throughout their work.
Despite the different spellings, when someone is baptised or baptized, they are submerged in water or have water poured over them in a ritual that signifies purification or regeneration and admission to the Christian Church.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Variation
British English
American English
Usage
Common in UK, Commonwealth countries
Common in the United States
Lexicographical Entry
Found in British dictionaries
Found in American dictionaries
Grammar
Same grammatical function
Same grammatical function
Pronunciation
Similar, though regional accents vary
Similar, though regional accents vary
Compare with Definitions
Baptised
To purify spiritually
He felt baptised by the trials he faced.
Baptized
To perform the Christian sacrament of initiation
He was baptized at the local lake.
Baptised
To initiate into Christianity
She was baptised in a traditional ceremony.
Baptized
To sprinkle or submerge in water for a religious purpose
Followers were baptized in the river.
Baptised
To name or dedicate
The ship was baptised with a bottle of champagne.
Baptized
To dedicate ceremonially
The new building was baptized in a grand opening ceremony.
Baptised
To christen
The child was baptised John after his grandfather.
Baptized
To admit into Christianity by means of baptism.
Baptised
To bless with water
They were baptised by the priest in the village church.
Baptized
To cleanse or purify.
Baptised
Simple past tense and past participle of baptise
Baptized
To initiate.
Baptised
(of a person) Who has been baptised.
Baptized
To give a Christian name to a person; christen.
Baptised
Having undergone the Christian ritual of baptism
Baptized
To administer baptism.
Baptized
Simple past tense and past participle of baptize
Baptized
(of a person) who has been baptized
Baptized
Having undergone the Christian ritual of baptism
Baptized
To cleanse or purify
Through her experiences, she felt baptized in spirit.
Baptized
To give a name during a Christian ritual
The twins were baptized Mary and Martha.
Common Curiosities
Should I use baptised or baptized in academic writing?
It depends on the preferred English variety of your institution or publication.
Can baptized be used in British English?
While not common, it can be understood and is sometimes used.
Do baptised and baptized have different meanings?
No, they mean the same thing and are simply different spellings.
Can one be re-baptised or re-baptized?
Theologically, most Christian denominations practice baptism only once.
Are there any contexts where one spelling is always correct?
Generally no, but specific churches or denominations may have a preferred spelling.
Is baptised only used in British English?
Primarily, yes. It's the preferred spelling in British English.
Does the Bible use baptised or baptized?
English translations vary; some use "baptised," while others use "baptized."
Are baptised and baptized interchangeable in software spell checkers?
It depends on the language setting (British or American English) of the software.
How do new English learners decide which to use?
They should consider the version of English they are learning or the one most relevant to their location.
Does the spelling affect the pronunciation?
No, both are pronounced the same way.
In non-religious contexts, can you use baptised or baptized metaphorically?
Yes, both can be used metaphorically to mean a transformative experience.
Does the Oxford English Dictionary list both spellings?
Yes, it usually lists both with a note on regional usage.
Do baptised and baptized have the same verb forms?
Yes, they follow the same grammatical rules for verb tenses.
Will English eventually standardize to one spelling?
Language evolves, but there's no current indication of this standardization.
Is baptized becoming more common globally?
American English influence makes "baptized" widely recognized, but "baptised" remains standard in British English territories.
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Written 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.
