Hospitalised vs. Hospitalized — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 7, 2024
"Hospitalised" is the British English spelling, indicating being admitted to a hospital, while "hospitalized" is the American English version of the same term.
Difference Between Hospitalised and Hospitalized
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Key Differences
The difference between "hospitalised" and "hospitalized" lies primarily in their spelling, which reflects the variant of English being used. In British English, the spelling "hospitalised" is preferred, consistent with other British spellings that often include 's' where American English uses 'z'. On the other hand, "hospitalized" follows the American English convention of using 'z' in places where British English would use 's'.
Despite the spelling difference, both terms carry the exact same meaning: the act of admitting someone to a hospital for treatment. The choice between "hospitalised" and "hospitalized" depends entirely on the intended audience or the standard spelling conventions of the country where the text will be published or read.
The pronunciation of both words is virtually identical in both varieties of English, with the primary difference being in the spelling rather than how the words are spoken. This makes the distinction one of orthography rather than phonetics.
Understanding the difference between these two spellings is important for writers and editors who work with international audiences, ensuring that texts are consistent with the preferred English variant of their target readership.
Comparison Chart
Spelling Variant
British English
American English
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Meaning
Being admitted to a hospital for treatment
Being admitted to a hospital for treatment
Usage Context
Preferred in countries that follow British spelling norms
Preferred in the United States and countries using US English
Pronunciation
Identical to "hospitalized"
Identical to "hospitalised"
Example
"She was hospitalised after the accident."
"He was hospitalized for pneumonia."
Compare with Definitions
Hospitalised
Used in UK and Commonwealth countries.
He was hospitalised with a severe infection.
Hospitalized
American English spelling for being admitted to a hospital.
The child was hospitalized with flu symptoms.
Hospitalised
British English spelling for being admitted to a hospital.
After the surgery, she was hospitalised for a week.
Hospitalized
Preferred spelling in the United States.
He was hospitalized overnight for observation.
Hospitalised
Follows British spelling conventions.
The patient was hospitalised immediately upon diagnosis.
Hospitalized
Indicates receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
After suffering a heart attack, he was quickly hospitalized.
Hospitalised
Reflects British English orthography.
She has been hospitalised twice this year for the same condition.
Hospitalized
Reflects American English orthography.
She was hospitalized after showing signs of severe dehydration.
Hospitalised
Indicates treatment or care in a hospital.
After the accident, the cyclist was hospitalised for multiple injuries.
Hospitalized
Follows American spelling conventions.
The patient was hospitalized following the emergency call.
Hospitalised
Alternate spelling of Hospitalized.
Hospitalized
To place in a hospital for treatment, care, or observation.
Hospitalised
Being treated in a hospital
Hospitalized
Simple past tense and past participle of hospitalize
Hospitalised
Simple past tense and past participle of hospitalise
Hospitalized
Lying in a hospital, having been hospitalized.
Common Curiosities
What is the meaning of "hospitalised"?
It means being admitted to a hospital for treatment, using British English spelling.
Are "hospitalised" and "hospitalized" pronounced differently?
No, they are pronounced the same way.
Can "hospitalised" and "hospitalized" be used interchangeably?
Yes, but the choice depends on the intended audience's spelling norms.
How does "hospitalized" differ from "hospitalised"?
"Hospitalized" is the American English spelling of the same term.
Why does British English use "hospitalised"?
It follows British spelling conventions, which often use 's' instead of 'z' in certain words.
What does being "hospitalized" entail?
Being admitted to a hospital for medical treatment or care.
Is "hospitalised" only used in the UK?
It's used in the UK and other countries that follow British English spelling conventions.
Why does American English prefer "hospitalized"?
It follows American spelling conventions, which frequently use 'z' in places where British English uses 's'.
In which contexts would "hospitalised" be preferred?
In contexts aiming at British or Commonwealth English-speaking audiences.
Is one spelling more correct than the other?
No, correctness depends on the regional spelling conventions of the audience.
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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.
