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Crystallise vs. Crystallize — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 7, 2024
"Crystallise" is the British spelling, emphasizing formation into crystals; "Crystallize" is the American variant, meaning the same.
Crystallise vs. Crystallize — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Crystallise and Crystallize

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Key Differences

Crystallise and crystallize refer to the process of forming a solid material from a solution or melt into a highly structured, patterned form. The difference lies primarily in the spelling conventions of British and American English. In British English, "crystallise" is the preferred spelling, adhering to the tradition of using "ise" endings for verbs. On the other hand, in American English, "crystallize" is spelled with a "ize" ending, following the American convention of using "ize" for verbs that denote making or becoming.
Both terms are used in various scientific and metaphorical contexts to describe the transition from a fluid, less ordered state to a solid, highly ordered structure. For example, in chemistry, crystallisation is a key process in the formation of crystals from a solution or melt. Similarly, in everyday language, one might use either spelling to describe the process of ideas or plans taking a definite, more concrete form.
The choice between "crystallise" and "crystallize" often depends on the intended audience or the standard spelling practice of the publication or document being prepared. British publications and audiences typically prefer "crystallise," while American contexts will more often use "crystallize." This distinction helps maintain consistency within a body of text and aligns with the linguistic preferences of the reader.
Despite the spelling difference, the pronunciation of both words is virtually identical in standard English, emphasizing the phonetic similarity despite orthographic differences. The primary consideration in choosing between them is adherence to the respective dialect of English being used.
Both spellings convey the same meanings and applications in science and everyday language, highlighting the process of becoming structured or defined. The choice between "crystallise" and "crystallize" thus largely boils down to regional spelling preferences rather than any difference in meaning or application.
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Comparison Chart

Spelling

British English spelling with "ise".
American English spelling with "ize".

Usage Context

Preferred in British publications and communications.
Preferred in American publications and communications.

Pronunciation

Pronounced the same as "crystallize".
Pronounced the same as "crystallise".

Meaning

Refers to the process of forming crystals.
Refers to the process of forming crystals.

Application

Used in both scientific and metaphorical contexts.
Used in both scientific and metaphorical contexts.

Compare with Definitions

Crystallise

To form into crystals.
Salt begins to crystallise as the water evaporates.

Crystallize

American English spelling.
In American English, crystallize is the preferred spelling.

Crystallise

Metaphorical use.
Her plans finally began to crystallise.

Crystallize

To become clear or definite.
The strategy began to crystallize after the meeting.

Crystallise

To take a definite form.
His ideas began to crystallise after the discussion.

Crystallize

Process in science.
The compound crystallizes at a lower temperature.

Crystallise

Process in chemistry.
The solution was left to crystallise overnight.

Crystallize

Metaphorical meaning.
His thoughts crystallized into a solid plan.

Crystallise

British English spelling.
In British English, we spell it as crystallise.

Crystallize

To form into crystals.
Sugar will crystallize out of a supersaturated solution.

Crystallise

Standard spelling of crystallize

Crystallize

Form or cause to form crystals
When most liquids freeze they crystallize

Crystallise

Make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear;
Could you clarify these remarks?
Clear up the question of who is at fault

Crystallize

Coat and impregnate (fruit or petals) with sugar as a means of preserving them
A box of crystallized fruits

Crystallise

Cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form;
Crystallize minerals

Crystallize

Make or become definite and clear
Vague feelings of unrest crystallized into something more concrete
Writing can help to crystallize your thoughts

Crystallise

Cause to take on a definite and clear shape;
He tried to crystallize his thoughts

Crystallize

Convert or be converted from a floating charge into a fixed charge
The sale may not crystallize the charge
No deduction is given for contingent liabilities until they crystallize

Crystallize

To cause to form crystals or assume a crystalline structure.

Crystallize

To give a definite, precise, and usually permanent form to
The scientists finally crystallized their ideas about the role of the protein.

Crystallize

To coat with crystals, as of sugar.

Crystallize

To assume a crystalline form.

Crystallize

To take on a definite, precise, and usually permanent form.

Crystallize

To make something form into crystals
I crystallized the copper sulphate by slowly cooling a saturated solution.

Crystallize

(intransitive) to assume a crystalline form
The copper sulphate crystallized from solution.

Crystallize

(transitive) to give something a definite or precise form
After some thought, I crystallized my ideas for the paper.

Crystallize

(intransitive) to take a definite form
My ideas crystallized overnight.

Crystallize

(transitive) to coat something with crystals, especially with sugar
We crystallized the fruit by coating in sugar.

Crystallize

To cause to form crystals, or to assume the crystalline form.

Crystallize

To be converted into a crystal; to take on a crystalline form, through the action of crystallogenic or cohesive attraction; to precipitate from a solution in the form of crystals.

Crystallize

Cause to take on a definite and clear shape;
He tried to crystallize his thoughts

Crystallize

Make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear;
Could you clarify these remarks?
Clear up the question of who is at fault

Crystallize

Cause to form crystals or assume crystalline form;
Crystallize minerals

Crystallize

Assume crystalline form; become crystallized

Common Curiosities

What is the main difference between crystallise and crystallize?

The main difference is the spelling: "crystallise" is British English, while "crystallize" is American English.

Do crystallise and crystallize mean the same thing?

Yes, both terms refer to the process of forming crystals or becoming structured.

Can both spellings be used interchangeably?

While they can be understood interchangeably, the choice of spelling usually aligns with the regional English convention being followed.

Why do British English and American English have different spellings for the same word?

The differences arise from historical spelling conventions and preferences that have evolved separately in British and American English.

How does the process of crystallisation/crystallization occur?

This process occurs when particles in a solution or melt become ordered and form a structured, patterned solid.

Can the use of one spelling over the other impact the understanding of scientific texts?

No, the understanding of scientific texts is not impacted by the choice of spelling, as the context usually makes the meaning clear.

Is there any difference in pronunciation between the two?

No, there is no significant difference in pronunciation between "crystallise" and "crystallize".

In scientific writing, which spelling should be used?

The spelling should match the convention of the publication or the preference of the audience, typically dictated by whether the context is British or American English.

How can one remember which spelling to use?

A helpful tip is to associate "s" with "silver" (a British currency) for "crystallise" and "z" with "zebra" (common in American English references) for "crystallize".

Is one spelling more correct than the other?

Neither spelling is more correct; the choice depends on the dialect of English being used.

Is there a preference for one spelling over the other in academic journals?

Academic journals typically follow the spelling conventions of the English dialect they adhere to, whether British or American.

Can crystallise/crystallize be used metaphorically?

Yes, both terms are used metaphorically to describe ideas or plans becoming clear or taking a definite shape.

Are there any exceptions to the choice of spelling based on region?

Exceptions can occur in personal or organizational preferences, especially in international contexts where a mix of British and American English may be used.

Why are there spelling differences in English?

Spelling differences often arise from historical influences, linguistic evolution, and the standardization of language in different regions.

Does the spelling variation affect the meaning of technical terms?

No, the spelling variation does not affect the technical meaning of the word.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj 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.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza 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.

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