Immortalize vs. Immortalise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
"Immortalize" and "immortalise" are different spellings of the same verb, with "immortalize" being the preferred form in American English and "immortalise" in British English.
Difference Between Immortalize and Immortalise
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Key Differences
Immortalize is the spelling commonly used in American English. It means to preserve the memory of someone or something in a manner that will last forever, typically through art, literature, or other forms of cultural expression. Whereas, immortalise follows the same definition but adheres to the spelling conventions of British English.
Writers and speakers in the United States tend to use immortalize when discussing actions that grant enduring fame or memory to a subject. On the other hand, in the UK, Australia, and other regions using British English, immortalise is used in the same contexts.
Immortalize might appear in contexts such as biographies, monuments, or films that aim to ensure someone’s legacy is remembered. Whereas, immortalise is similarly used in discussions about artworks, historical records, or narratives that aim to preserve legacies.
When referring to cultural or historical documentation, American publications are more likely to use immortalize in their narratives. Conversely, British publications opt for immortalise, maintaining consistency with their linguistic norms.
Despite the spelling differences, both immortalize and immortalise carry the same connotations and are used in similar phrases such as “immortalized in a song” or “immortalised on canvas,” illustrating how someone or something is remembered through creative works.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
American English
British English
Usage Contexts
Art, literature, cultural preservation
Art, literature, cultural preservation
Example of Use
"He was immortalized in a blockbuster movie."
"She was immortalised in a classic novel."
Linguistic Preference
Used in the United States
Used in the UK, Australia, etc.
Meaning
To confer enduring fame
To confer enduring fame
Compare with Definitions
Immortalize
To preserve in a form that ensures it will not be forgotten.
The poet's works immortalize the struggles and triumphs of his era.
Immortalise
To make someone or something famous forever.
The queen was immortalised in a series of royal portraits.
Immortalize
To confer enduring fame or remembrance.
The battle is immortalized in a famous painting.
Immortalise
Relates to eternal recognition or remembrance.
The play has immortalised its author in the annals of theatre history.
Immortalize
To make a memory or deed last forever.
The monument immortalizes the heroes of the war.
Immortalise
Common in discussions about art and history in British contexts.
This documentary aims to immortalise the everyday life of the past century.
Immortalize
Often used in cultural, artistic, or historical contexts.
Directors seek to immortalize iconic moments through cinema.
Immortalise
To preserve something in memory or to maintain its legacy.
The novel immortalises the cultural heritage of the island.
Immortalize
Associated with a lasting impact in public memory.
His inventions have immortalized his name among the greats.
Immortalise
To keep alive the memory of a person or event.
The festival is held to immortalise the founder's contributions.
Immortalize
To make immortal.
Immortalise
To give unending life to, to make immortal.
Immortalize
Alternative spelling of immortalise
Immortalise
To make eternally famous.
His heroic deeds were immortalised in song and tale.
Immortalize
(biology) To remove the effects of normal apoptosis.
Immortalise
Be or provide a memorial to a person or an event;
This sculpture commemorates the victims of the concentration camps
We memorialized the Dead
Immortalize
To render immortal; to cause to live or exist forever.
Immortalise
Make famous for ever
Immortalize
To exempt from oblivion; to perpetuate in fame.
Alexander had no Homer to immortalize his guilty name.
Immortalize
To become immortal.
Immortalize
Be or provide a memorial to a person or an event;
This sculpture commemorates the victims of the concentration camps
We memorialized the Dead
Immortalize
Make famous for ever
Common Curiosities
Can a place be immortalized/immortalised?
Yes, places can be immortalized/immortalised through art, literature, or media, ensuring they are remembered.
What are typical ways to immortalize/immortalise someone?
Through creating or dedicating artworks, writings, films, or memorials in their honor.
Does immortalize/immortalise always involve a positive legacy?
Not necessarily; it can also preserve memories of notorious or controversial figures.
Are immortalize and immortalise interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable but depend on the variant of English being used.
When should I use immortalize instead of immortalise?
Use "immortalize" when writing in American English and "immortalise" in British English.
How do spellings like immortalize/immortalise evolve?
Spellings evolve based on linguistic preferences and influences in different regions.
Is the meaning of immortalize different in different contexts?
The core meaning remains the same, but the context can vary from literal to figurative uses.
Are there any synonyms for immortalize/immortalise?
Yes, synonyms include perpetuate, enshrine, memorialize, and commemorate.
What is the impact of immortalizing/immortalising an event?
It helps preserve the event's significance and ensures it remains part of collective memory or historical record.
Can an action be immortalized/immortalised?
Yes, actions, especially significant or symbolic ones, can be immortalized/immortalised in various forms of representation.
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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.
