Organise vs. Organize — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 23, 2023
"Organise" and "organize" both mean to arrange or structure systematically, but "organise" is British English while "organize" is American English.
Difference Between Organise and Organize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Organise" and "organize" are variations of the same verb, which deals with bringing order to something or structuring it systematically. The choice between "organise" and "organize" primarily depends on the region of the speaker or writer. "Organise" is the preferred spelling in British English. If you were reading a document from the UK, it would be typical to encounter "organise."
Conversely, "organize" is the standard form in American English. As such, American publications, websites, and educational materials predominantly utilize "organize." Despite the difference in spelling, both words share identical meanings and can be used interchangeably in terms of understanding.
In the broader context of the English language, the "-ise" and "-ize" distinction is not exclusive to the verb "organise/organize." Many words that end in "-ize" in American English correspondingly end in "-ise" in British English, such as "realise/realize" or "apologise/apologize."
While it's essential to be aware of these regional distinctions, especially for formal writing or when addressing specific audiences, the critical takeaway is that "organise" and "organize" both convey the concept of arranging, structuring, or coordinating things or activities. The difference is purely orthographic, and neither form is incorrect in the global sense.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To arrange or structure systematically.
To arrange or structure systematically.
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Spelling
Ends with "-ise."
Ends with "-ize."
Regional Usage
British English.
American English.
Common Variations
Realise, specialise, etc.
Realize, specialize, etc.
Root
Derived from Greek verbs ending in "-izein." However, British English favors the "-ise" spelling for consistency.
Derived from Greek verbs ending in "-izein." American English retained the "-ize" spelling.
Compare with Definitions
Organise
"Organise" is the standard form in British English.
Organize
To manage or coordinate a task or event.
Can you organize the team outing?
Organise
To categorize or classify.
He likes to organise his books by genre.
Organize
To establish a group for a specific purpose.
They will organize a study group.
Organise
To put into a structured system or order.
They plan to organise the files alphabetically.
Organize
To arrange in a coherent form or structure.
I need to organize my thoughts before the meeting.
Organise
To form into a union or association.
Workers decided to organise for better wages.
Organize
Arrange systematically; order
Organize lessons in a planned way
Organise
To create a cohesive and effective arrangement.
She helped organise the new office layout.
Organize
Make arrangements or preparations for (an event or activity)
Social programmes are organized by the school
Organise
To coordinate or plan an event or activity.
She will organise the charity gala next month.
Organize
To put in order; arrange in an orderly way
Organized the papers into files.
Organized her thoughts before speaking.
Organize
To cause to have an orderly, functional, or coherent structure
Organized the report around three main initiatives.
Organize
To cause (oneself) to act or live in an orderly or planned way
Has trouble in school because he can't get organized.
Organize
To arrange or prepared for (an activity or event)
Organize a party.
Organize a strike.
Organize
To establish as an organization
Organize a club.
Organize
To induce (employees) to form or join a labor union.
Organize
To induce the employees of (a business or industry) to form or join a union
Organize a factory.
Organize
To develop into or assume an orderly, functional, or coherent structure.
Organize
To form or join an activist group, especially a labor union.
Organize
(transitive) To arrange in working order.
Organize
(transitive) To constitute in parts, each having a special function, act, office, or relation; to systematize.
Organize
To furnish with organs; to give an organic structure to; to endow with capacity for the functions of life
An organized being
Organized matter
Organize
To sing in parts.
To organize an anthem
Organize
To band together into a group or union that can bargain and act collectively; to unionize.
The workers decided to organize; their next task was to organize the workers at the steel mill
Organize
To furnish with organs; to give an organic structure to; to endow with capacity for the functions of life; as, an organized being; organized matter; - in this sense used chiefly in the past participle.
These nobler faculties of the mind, matter organized could never produce.
Organize
To arrange or constitute in parts, each having a special function, act, office, or relation; to systematize; to get into working order; - applied to products of the human intellect, or to human institutions and undertakings, as a science, a government, an army, a war, etc.
This original and supreme will organizes the government.
Organize
To sing in parts; as, to organize an anthem.
Organize
Create (as an entity);
Social groups form everywhere
They formed a company
Organize
Cause to be structured or ordered or operating according to some principle or idea
Organize
Plan and direct (a complex undertaking);
He masterminded the robbery
Organize
Bring order and organization to;
Can you help me organize my files?
Organize
Arrange by systematic planning and united effort;
Machinate a plot
Organize a strike
Devise a plan to take over the director's office
Organize
Form or join a union;
The autoworkers decided to unionize
Organize
To sort or categorize systematically.
He took a day off to organize his garage.
Organize
To make arrangements or preparations for something.
We should organize for the upcoming conference.
Common Curiosities
Why does British English use "-ise" while American English uses "-ize"?
It's a regional orthographic variation, but both derive from Greek verbs ending in "-izein."
Can I use "organise" in American writing?
While understood, "organize" is standard in American writing.
Which is correct, "organise" or "organize"?
Both are correct; the choice depends on regional preferences.
Are organise and organize interchangeable?
Yes, in meaning. However, "organise" is British English and "organize" is American English.
Did British and American English always have this spelling difference?
The distinction solidified over time, with American and British English adopting different standards.
In which countries is "organise" more commonly used?
"Organise" is used in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries influenced by British English.
Which form should I use for international audiences?
It's best to know your audience, but either form is understood internationally.
Do the words have different meanings?
No, both words have the same meaning of arranging or structuring systematically.
Are there other words with similar "-ise" and "-ize" variations?
Yes, such as "realise/realize" and "specialise/specialize."
Is there a difference in pronunciation?
Generally, no. Both words are typically pronounced the same way.
Can software switch between "organise" and "organize" automatically?
Yes, many word processors allow users to select British or American English spelling preferences.
Is one form older than the other?
Both forms have ancient Greek roots, but the "-ize" form is older. British English later adopted "-ise" for consistency.
Are there any nuances in usage between the two forms?
No, the core meaning remains consistent across both forms.
In which countries is "organize" more commonly used?
"Organize" is predominant in the USA, Canada, and other regions influenced by American English.
Are there any contexts where one form is preferred regardless of region?
In scientific writing, the "-ize" form is often preferred, even in British English contexts.
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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.
