Internalise vs. Internalize — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 1, 2024
Internalise and Internalize both refer to the process of incorporating beliefs or practices into one's own values, with spelling differences reflecting British and American English respectively.
Difference Between Internalise and Internalize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Internalise is more commonly used in British English, indicating the process of absorbing and integrating ideas, values, or beliefs into one's personal understanding and behaviors. For example, when a person internalises a social norm, they adopt it as part of their own value system, guiding their actions and decisions. On the other hand, Internalize, the American English spelling, carries the same meaning. It involves making external standards, expectations, or experiences an intrinsic part of oneself. This can include anything from learning a moral lesson from a story to adopting societal norms without conscious effort.
Both terms can be used in psychological contexts, referring to how individuals may unconsciously adopt the attitudes or feelings of others as their own. Internalising positive feedback can boost self-esteem, whereas internalising negative criticism may harm it.
In education, the process of internalisation is crucial for deep learning. It involves students not merely memorising facts but integrating knowledge into their understanding, making it part of their cognitive framework.
The difference between the two lies solely in their spelling and usage based on the variant of English. In practice, both spellings are understood globally, despite the regional preferences. Their meanings remain consistent across contexts, emphasizing the internal absorption of external influences.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Internalise
Internalize
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Usage Region
Predominantly in the UK
Predominantly in the US
Psychological Context
Absorbing ideas/beliefs
Absorbing ideas/beliefs
Educational Application
Integrating knowledge
Integrating knowledge
Impact on Self-Perception
Can affect self-esteem
Can affect self-esteem
Compare with Definitions
Internalise
To accept a belief or theory as a guiding truth.
He internalised the concept of fairness in all his business dealings.
Internalize
To absorb and reflect the influence of surrounding culture.
Immigrants often internalize new social norms from their adopted country.
Internalise
To subconsciously adopt the emotions or attitudes of others.
Children often internalise their parents' anxieties.
Internalize
To understand and apply knowledge or skills.
To master a language, one must internalize its grammar and idioms.
Internalise
To incorporate practices into one’s value system.
She internalised the principles of non-violence as her guiding philosophy.
Internalize
To make personal or subjective.
Critics internalize their artistic standards when evaluating works.
Internalise
To absorb information or knowledge deeply.
Effective studying requires internalising the material, not just memorising it.
Internalize
To take in and retain ideas or attitudes.
He internalized the feedback from his review to improve his work performance.
Internalise
To make an external standard a part of one's behavior.
Athletes internalise discipline to achieve high performance.
Internalize
To incorporate external values into one’s personal beliefs.
She internalized the importance of community service from her volunteer work.
Internalise
Standard spelling of internalize
Internalize
To make internal or cause to become internal.
Internalise
Same as internalize.
Internalize
To take in and make an integral part of one's attitudes or beliefs
Had internalized the cultural values of the Poles after a year of living in Warsaw.
Internalise
Incorporate within oneself; make subjectiveor personal;
Internalize a belief
Internalize
To direct (one's bad feelings or conflicts) inwards, often as a manifestation of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
Internalize
(transitive) To make something internal; to incorporate it in oneself.
Internalize
To process new information in one's mind.
Internalize
To refrain from expressing (a negative emotion), to one's psychological detriment; to bottle up.
Internalize
To store (a string or other structure) in a shared pool, such that subsequent items with the same value can share the same instance.
Internalize
(finance) To transfer stocks between brokers within an organization, rather than through the exchange.
Internalize
To incorporate within oneself.
Internalize
Incorporate within oneself; make subjectiveor personal;
Internalize a belief
Common Curiosities
Is there a difference in meaning between internalise and internalize?
No, there is no difference in meaning; the difference is solely in spelling, reflecting British and American English usage.
Can internalising behaviors be harmful?
Yes, internalising negative beliefs or criticisms can be harmful to one’s self-esteem and mental health.
How does internalisation relate to empathy?
Internalisation can enhance empathy by deeply understanding and adopting the perspectives and feelings of others.
Can internalisation be unlearned?
Yes, through reflection and critical thinking, previously internalised beliefs or behaviors can be unlearned or modified.
How do cultures affect the process of internalisation?
Cultural norms and values significantly influence what individuals internalise, shaping their worldviews and behaviors.
How does internalisation affect learning?
Internalisation transforms superficial learning into deep understanding by integrating knowledge into one's cognitive framework.
Is internalising a conscious process?
It can be both conscious and unconscious. People may actively seek to internalise certain values, while other times it occurs without conscious effort.
How does technology influence internalisation?
Technology can influence internalisation by shaping the information and cultural content we are exposed to and integrate into our lives.
What does it mean to internalise something?
To internalise something means to absorb and integrate it into your own beliefs, attitudes, or values.
Does internalising have a social aspect?
Yes, internalising social norms and values is a key aspect of becoming a functioning member of society.
Are there techniques to improve the internalisation process?
Yes, techniques such as reflective practice, deep learning strategies, and mindfulness can enhance internalisation.
Can internalisation impact creativity?
Yes, internalising diverse experiences and perspectives can enrich creative expression.
Is internalisation important in leadership?
Effective leaders often internalise leadership qualities, such as integrity and empathy, to inspire and guide others.
Can internalisation be measured?
While challenging, psychological assessments and self-reporting can provide insights into what values or attitudes have been internalised.
What role does internalisation play in therapy?
In therapy, internalising positive coping mechanisms and self-beliefs can be crucial for emotional and psychological healing.
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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.
