Idolise vs. Idolize — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Idolise and idolize represent the same concept of extreme admiration or worship, but differ primarily in spelling; "idolise" is preferred in British English, while "idolize" is used in American English.
Difference Between Idolise and Idolize
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Key Differences
Idolise is the British English spelling used when referring to the act of admiring someone or something excessively. On the other hand, Americans prefer the spelling idolize, reflecting the same level of adoration or reverence. This distinction in spelling is similar to other British-American English variations such as "realise" and "realize".
The word idolise comes into play particularly in regions influenced by British English, including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Whereas, idolize is commonly seen in texts and publications originating from the United States.
Both terms stem from the Greek word "eidolon," meaning an image or a phantom, which underscores their shared etymology despite differing spellings. On the other hand, the choice of spelling may affect the perceived correctness in academic or professional writing depending on the regional English norms.
Educational systems in Britain and countries with educational curricula derived from British standards teach the spelling "idolise." Meanwhile, American educational systems enforce "idolize" as the correct form, influencing not only writing practices but also software spellcheck settings.
Despite these spelling differences, the pronunciation of idolise and idolize remains identical, making the distinction largely irrelevant in spoken English. However, in written forms, the appropriate spelling should be observed based on the intended audience’s dialect.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
British English standard
American English standard
Usage Regions
UK, Australia, New Zealand
United States
Origin
From Greek "eidolon" meaning image
From Greek "eidolon" meaning image
Educational Standards
Taught in British-influenced systems
Taught in American educational systems
Pronunciation
Identical to idolize
Identical to idolise
Compare with Definitions
Idolise
To admire or worship someone or something excessively.
She idolises her teacher and sees her as a role model.
Idolize
To worship someone or something with intense admiration.
Teenagers often idolize pop stars and emulate their styles.
Idolise
To regard with blind adoration.
Fans idolise celebrities, often ignoring their flaws.
Idolize
To treat someone as an idol.
She idolizes her father, striving to follow in his footsteps.
Idolise
To create idols in one's mind.
Through his paintings, he idolises everyday life, elevating it to mythic proportions.
Idolize
To idolatrize or revere as an idol.
The poet idolizes nature in his works, attributing divine qualities to landscapes.
Idolise
To venerate as an idol.
Ancient civilizations idolised natural elements like the sun and moon.
Idolize
To blindly adore or worship.
Fans idolize sports heroes, sometimes to the detriment of personal judgment.
Idolise
To make someone an object of supreme devotion.
His followers idolise him to the extent that they hang on his every word.
Idolize
To deify or hold in excessively high regard.
In his novels, he idolizes the concept of heroism.
Idolise
Standard spelling of idolize
Idolize
To regard with great or uncritical admiration or devotion.
Idolise
Love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol;
Many teenagers idolized the Beatles
Idolize
To make an idol of, or to worship as an idol.
Idolize
To adore excessively; to revere immoderately.
Idolize
To make an idol of; to pay idolatrous worship to; as, to idolize the sacred bull in Egypt.
Idolize
To love to excess; to love or reverence to adoration; as, to idolize gold, children, a hero.
Idolize
To practice idolatry.
To idolize after the manner of Egypt.
Idolize
Love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol;
Many teenagers idolized the Beatles
Common Curiosities
Why do British English and American English often have different spellings for the same words?
These differences have evolved over time due to varying influences and standards in language development in the UK and the US.
Is the pronunciation of idolise and idolize different?
No, both words are pronounced the same way despite the spelling difference.
Is there a difference in how idolise and idolize are taught in schools?
Yes, British schools teach "idolise," while American schools teach "idolize."
What is the origin of the words idolise and idolize?
Both words come from the Greek "eidolon," meaning an image or phantom.
Can using the wrong spelling of idolise/idolize affect my grades in school?
Yes, using the wrong regional spelling could potentially impact grades, especially in courses emphasizing language and writing standards.
Are there any online tools to help decide whether to use idolise or idolize?
Yes, most word processors have spell check that adjusts to British or American English settings.
Can the words idolise and idolize be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably in terms of meaning, but the spelling should match the form of English being used.
What is the main difference between idolise and idolize?
The main difference is the spelling; "idolise" is British English, while "idolize" is American English.
How should I know whether to use idolise or idolize in my writing?
Choose based on the variant of English expected by your audience or the standards of the publication or institution for which you are writing.
What are some examples of other words that differ between British and American English like idolise/idolize?
Examples include "realise/realize," "organise/organize," and "colour/color."
Does the entertainment industry in English-speaking countries prefer a specific spelling?
The spelling often follows the predominant form of English used in the country of production.
How do online platforms handle the differences between British and American spellings like idolise and idolize?
Online platforms usually adjust to user settings or the regional settings of the server.
In which contexts is it particularly important to maintain consistent use of British or American spelling?
Academic writing, professional publications, and formal communications typically require consistent spelling.
Will the spelling of words like idolise and idolize ever become standardized globally?
While global communication may encourage some standardization, distinct spellings are likely to persist due to cultural and educational differences.
Do all English-speaking countries follow either British or American spelling standards?
Most countries lean towards one standard or the other, though some, like Canada, use a mix of both.
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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.
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.
