Urbanise vs. Urbanize — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
Urbanise and urbanize are both verbs that describe the process of becoming more urban or city-like, while "urbanise" is primarily used in British English, whereas "urbanize" is favored in American English.
Difference Between Urbanise and Urbanize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Urbanise refers to the process of making an area more city-like, involving increased development and population density. On the other hand, urbanize, while conveying the same meaning, is the preferred spelling in American English.
When documents are written in British English, "urbanise" is commonly used. Whereas, in American English documents, "urbanize" appears more frequently.
The spelling difference in urbanise and urbanize reflects broader variations in British and American English, with British English often using 'ise' endings. On the other hand, American English typically uses 'ize' endings.
Educational systems in the UK will teach "urbanise" as the correct form, reinforcing this usage among British English speakers. Conversely, American educational systems advocate for "urbanize," aligning with other Americanized spellings.
When it comes to international publications, the choice between "urbanise" and "urbanize" can indicate the intended audience or the origin of the publication; "urbanise" suggests a British audience, whereas "urbanize" targets an American or global audience.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To make an area more urban or city-like
To make an area more urban or city-like
Preferred Usage
British English
American English
Typical Endings in English
Commonly ends with "ise"
Commonly ends with "ize"
Educational System
Taught as the correct form in the UK
Taught as the correct form in the US
Indication in Publications
Suggests British audience
Suggests American or global audience
Compare with Definitions
Urbanise
To make more like a city.
The government plans to urbanise the rural area by introducing more commercial facilities.
Urbanize
To make more like a city.
Local authorities are looking to urbanize the small town to attract more business.
Urbanise
To increase the density of buildings and population in an area.
Several projects are underway to urbanise the outskirts of the city.
Urbanize
To increase the density of buildings and population in an area.
Urbanize the waterfront area has been a priority for the city planners.
Urbanise
To adopt urban characteristics.
The town began to urbanise rapidly with the influx of new businesses.
Urbanize
To adopt urban characteristics.
The village began to urbanize after the new highway was constructed.
Urbanise
To expand the urban area.
The expansion plan aims to urbanise the neighboring villages.
Urbanize
To expand the urban area.
Plans to urbanize the east side of the river are being discussed.
Urbanise
To develop infrastructure typical of urban areas.
Urbanising the region involved upgrading the road and utility networks.
Urbanize
To develop infrastructure typical of urban areas.
Urbanizing the suburb will include adding schools and hospitals.
Urbanise
Alternative spelling of urbanize
Urbanize
To make urban in nature or character.
Urbanise
Impart urban habits, ways of life, or responsibilities upon;
Birds are being urbanized by people in outdoor cafes feeding them
Urbanize
To make something more urban in character.
Urbanise
Make more industrial or city-like;
The area was urbanized after many people moved in
Urbanize
To take up an urban way of life.
Urbanize
To render urban, or urbane; to refine; to polish.
Urbanize
Make more industrial or city-like;
The area was urbanized after many people moved in
Urbanize
Impart urban habits, ways of life, or responsibilities upon;
Birds are being urbanized by people in outdoor cafes feeding them
Common Curiosities
Are urbanise and urbanize interchangeable?
Yes, they are interchangeable, but the choice of spelling should consider the intended audience (British vs. American).
Can the use of urbanise or urbanize affect the understanding of a text?
Generally, it does not affect the understanding but may hint at the regional targeting or origin of the text.
Can using 'urbanise' in American English contexts lead to misunderstandings?
It's unlikely to cause misunderstandings, but it may be marked as a spelling error or seen as an unusual choice in strictly American contexts.
Why do British English and American English use different spellings for the same word?
The differences in spelling reflect historical and linguistic evolutions in each variant of English.
How do you spell urbanise/urbanize in Canadian English?
In Canadian English, "urbanize" is more commonly used, aligning with American English conventions.
What does urbanise mean?
It means to make an area more like a city, typically involving increased development and population density.
Is one spelling more modern than the other?
Neither spelling is more modern; the differences are purely regional.
Is there a difference in pronunciation between urbanise and urbanize?
No, both words are pronounced the same way, despite their different spellings.
What are the implications of urbanising or urbanizing a rural area?
Both terms imply significant changes in land use, increased population density, and possibly greater economic development.
Do word processors correct 'urbanise' to 'urbanize' in American English settings?
Yes, word processors set to American English will often suggest changing 'urbanise' to 'urbanize'.
Which spelling should I use if writing for an international audience?
For an international audience, "urbanize" is often preferred as it aligns with American English, which is widely used globally.
How do different academic journals handle the spelling of urbanise/urbanize?
Academic journals usually adhere to the spelling preferences of their target audience or the English style guide they follow, such as British or American.
What does urbanize mean?
It means the same as urbanise, but it is the preferred spelling in American English.
Are there other words affected by the same regional spelling variations as urbanise and urbanize?
Yes, many words ending in -ise in British English are spelled with -ize in American English, such as realise/realize, recognise/recognize.
What factors might influence a writer to choose between urbanise and urbanize?
Factors include the intended audience, the style guide being followed, and the regional form of English the writer is using.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
