Memorise vs. Memorize — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
"Memorise" and "memorize" are different spellings of the same verb, referring to the process of committing information to memory, while "memorise" is preferred in British English, while "memorize" is common in American English.
Difference Between Memorise and Memorize
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Key Differences
"Memorise" is the spelling commonly used in British English, emphasizing the traditional British usage in spelling verbs with "-ise". In contrast, "memorize" follows the American English convention, where verbs often adopt "-ize" endings, aligning with the Greek root "izo".
While "memorise" is primarily found in texts and publications within the UK and countries influenced by British English, "memorize" is predominantly used in the United States and other regions where American English holds sway. This difference in usage reflects broader linguistic preferences that vary from one English-speaking region to another.
The pronunciation of both words is nearly identical in both forms of English, focusing solely on the spelling distinction. This similarity in sound makes the distinction subtle and primarily apparent in written form rather than spoken.
Educational materials and dictionaries in the UK and other Commonwealth countries typically list "memorise" as the standard spelling, reinforcing its usage among speakers of British English. Conversely, American educational resources and publications advocate for "memorize," promoting consistency with other Americanized spellings.
Despite the spelling differences, there is no variation in the meaning or function of the words. Both "memorise" and "memorize" describe the act of learning something so well that it can be recalled without effort, often used in academic and personal development contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Standard
British English
American English
Pronunciation
Same as memorize
Same as memorise
Usage Region
UK, Commonwealth
USA, American influenced regions
Dictionary Listings
Listed as standard in British sources
Listed as standard in American sources
Linguistic Preference
Prefers "-ise" endings
Prefers "-ize" endings
Compare with Definitions
Memorise
The act of retaining information through repetition.
He uses mnemonic devices to memorise complex formulas.
Memorize
To retain learned information by repeated study.
He memorized the route after driving it several times.
Memorise
To store information in one's memory.
I memorised the entire poem in one evening.
Memorize
Involving the memorization of information through practice.
They memorized the new procedures by role-playing during the workshop.
Memorise
To commit to memory or learn by heart.
She needed to memorise her lines for the school play.
Memorize
To learn information so that it can be recalled without effort.
He memorized the speech for his graduation.
Memorise
The process of learning something thoroughly.
The teacher asked the students to memorise the multiplication table.
Memorize
The act of committing facts or details to memory.
She memorized the list of ingredients needed for the recipe.
Memorise
Engaging in repeated study to remember information.
She memorised the capitals of all the countries in Europe.
Memorize
The process of embedding data in one's memory.
The students were asked to memorize the periodic table.
Memorise
Standard spelling of memorize
Memorize
Commit to memory; learn by heart
He memorized thousands of verses
Memorise
Commit to memory; learn by heart;
Have you memorized your lines for the play yet?
Memorize
To commit to memory; learn by heart.
Memorize
To fully learn so as to have entirely available to the memory; to learn by heart, commit to memory.
Memorize
To cause to be remembered ; hence, to record.
They neglect to memorize their conquest.
They meant to . . . memorize another Golgotha.
Memorize
To commit to memory; to learn by heart.
Memorize
Commit to memory; learn by heart;
Have you memorized your lines for the play yet?
Common Curiosities
Are there any contexts where one spelling is more appropriate than the other?
Yes, use "memorise" in contexts where British English is standard, and "memorize" where American English is prevalent.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between memorise and memorize?
No, both words are pronounced the same way.
What is the difference between memorise and memorize?
The main difference is the spelling: "memorise" is used in British English and "memorize" in American English.
Can I use both "memorise" and "memorize" interchangeably?
Yes, in terms of meaning they are interchangeable, but the choice of spelling should consider the audience's regional English standard.
What is the historical reason for the different spellings?
The different spellings arise from varied linguistic influences and standardization in British and American English.
Why does British English prefer "memorise" while American English uses "memorize"?
British English often follows a spelling tradition that includes the "-ise" ending, whereas American English prefers the "-ize" ending, reflecting the Greek root.
Which spelling should I use in academic writing?
Use the spelling that aligns with the academic standards of the institution or publication, which may specify British or American English.
Can using the wrong spelling impact the understanding of written texts?
Generally, the understanding won't be affected, but using the regionally appropriate spelling can enhance readability and acceptance.
Will using "memorise" in an American document be considered a spelling mistake?
It might be marked as incorrect in strictly American contexts due to regional spelling standards.
How should I teach spelling variations to learners of English?
Teach both variations and emphasize regional preferences depending on the learner's focus on either British or American English.
Do British dictionaries list "memorize"?
British dictionaries may list "memorize" as an alternative spelling, but "memorise" is typically preferred.
What tools can help me ensure I'm using the correct regional spelling?
Language-specific spell check tools and dictionaries can help ensure that you are using the correct regional spelling.
Is one spelling more correct than the other?
Neither spelling is more correct; the preference depends solely on the regional version of English being used.
How do international English exams handle spelling variations like these?
Most international English exams accept both British and American spellings as correct.
Are there any other English words with similar regional spelling differences?
Yes, words like "realise/realize" and "organise/organize" follow similar regional spelling variations.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
