Bastardised vs. Bastardized — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Bastardised and bastardized differ primarily in spelling; "bastardised" is preferred in British English, while "bastardized" is favored in American English.
Difference Between Bastardised and Bastardized
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bastardised is the British English spelling of the word that refers to something being corrupted or debased. On the other hand, bastardized is the American English equivalent, used in the same contexts but reflecting the American spelling conventions.
Both terms are used to describe the alteration of something from its original form, typically in a negative way. Whereas bastardized might be seen more frequently in American publications and discourse.
When discussing the cultural impacts of language, it's important to note that bastardised often appears in discussions within British media and literature. Conversely, bastardized is more commonly encountered in American texts.
These differences in usage highlight the broader distinctions between British and American English, where even small spelling variations can reflect deeper divergences in language use. In academic or formal writing, it's crucial to use the version of the word that aligns with the language style of the text.
While in casual or less formal settings, either version might be understood, though it's good practice to maintain consistency.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Bastardised
Bastardized
National Preference
British English
American English
Usage Context
Same as bastardized, used in contexts discussing corruption or debasement
Same as bastardised, used in similar contexts
Linguistic Consistency
Consistent with British English spelling norms like "organised," "realised"
Consistent with American English spelling norms like "organized," "realized"
Example Publications
Common in British newspapers, academic journals
Common in American newspapers, academic journals
Compare with Definitions
Bastardised
Altered detrimentally.
The original recipe was bastardised with cheaper ingredients.
Bastardized
Deviated from tradition.
The bastardized version of the ceremony upset many traditionalists.
Bastardised
Made inferior.
The software's bastardised version lacked many useful features.
Bastardized
Altered detrimentally.
The original design was bastardized to cut costs.
Bastardised
Corrupted from its original form.
The film was criticised for being a bastardised version of the beloved book.
Bastardized
Corrupted from its original form.
Critics argued that the sequel bastardized the classic's themes.
Bastardised
Deviated from tradition.
The bastardised rites in the novel sparked controversy.
Bastardized
Changed to fit a particular agenda.
The documentary was bastardized by the inclusion of misleading information.
Bastardised
Changed to fit a particular agenda.
The historical account was bastardised to suit the author's bias.
Bastardized
Made inferior.
The bastardized product failed to impress the longtime fans.
Bastardised
Simple past tense and past participle of bastardise
Bastardized
To lower in quality or character; debase.
Bastardised
Deriving from more than one source or style
Bastardized
To declare or prove (someone) to be a bastard.
Bastardized
Simple past tense and past participle of bastardize
Bastardized
Deriving from more than one source or style.
Bastardized
Deriving from more than one source or style
Common Curiosities
What does bastardised mean?
Bastardised refers to something that has been altered detrimentally from its original form, typically in British English.
Why choose bastardised over bastardized in writing?
Choose "bastardised" when writing for a British audience and "bastardized" for an American audience to align with regional spelling norms.
Can the spelling of bastardised affect the perception of text?
Yes, using British or American spelling can influence the perceived formality and regional alignment of the text.
Is there a difference in connotation between bastardised and bastardized?
No, both spellings carry the same connotations of corruption or debasement.
How do I know which spelling of bastardised/bastardized to use?
Base your choice on the target audience's regional language conventions.
Do dictionaries list both bastardised and bastardized?
Most English dictionaries list both spellings, noting the regional usage.
What does bastardized mean?
Bastardized refers to something that has been changed in a way that corrupts or debases it, typically used in American English.
Can using bastardised in American English be seen as incorrect?
It is not incorrect, but it is less common and may stand out as atypical.
Are bastardised and bastardized interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable in meaning but differ in regional spelling preferences.
Is bastardized often seen in British publications?
It is less common, as British publications typically adhere to British spelling norms.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
