Criticise vs. Criticize — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
"Criticise" and "criticize" convey the same meaning; the former is used in British English, while the latter is preferred in American English.
Difference Between Criticise and Criticize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Criticise is commonly used in British, Australian, and other Commonwealth Englishes, adhering to the spelling conventions of these regions. Whereas, criticize is the standard form in American English, reflecting the linguistic preferences of the United States.
Criticise often appears in texts that follow the Oxford English Dictionary or other UK-based style guides. On the other hand, criticize is aligned with the spelling rules found in American dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or The American Heritage.
Criticise includes an 's' which is a typical characteristic of British English spelling in words like 'realise' and 'apologise'. Meanwhile, criticize uses a 'z', which is emblematic of American English's tendency to write 'realize' and 'apologize'.
Criticise and criticize represent the divergence in British and American English not only in spelling but also in certain aspects of pronunciation, though the difference is minimal. Whereas in phonetic terms, both are generally pronounced the same.
Criticise can be seen in publications from the UK such as The Guardian or The Times, reflecting its widespread acceptance across British media. In contrast, criticize features predominantly in American publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post.
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Comparison Chart
Preferred Spelling Region
British, Commonwealth English
American English
Commonly Seen In
The Guardian, The Times
The New York Times, The Washington Post
Associated With
Oxford English Dictionary
Merriam-Webster, American Heritage
Spelling Characteristic
Uses 's'
Uses 'z'
Pronunciation
/ˈkrɪt.ɪ.saɪz/
/ˈkrɪt.ɪ.saɪz/
Compare with Definitions
Criticise
To express disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
He likes to criticise everything about modern art.
Criticize
To express disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
He likes to criticize everything about modern art.
Criticise
To make judgments as to the worth or value of anything.
She is paid to criticise wines for a magazine.
Criticize
To evaluate the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.
The professor asked us to criticize the novel's character development.
Criticise
To find fault or point out the flaws of someone or something.
He should not criticise her cooking without trying it first.
Criticize
To make judgments as to the worth or value of anything.
She is paid to criticize wines for a magazine.
Criticise
To assess and comment on issues or events, typically in a detailed and analytical manner.
The panel will criticise the government's approach to education reform.
Criticize
To assess and comment on issues or events, typically in a detailed and analytical manner.
The panel will criticize the government's approach to education reform.
Criticise
To evaluate the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.
The professor asked us to criticise the novel's character development.
Criticize
To find fault or point out the flaws of someone or something.
He should not criticize her cooking without trying it first.
Criticise
To examine and judge as a critic; to pass literary or artistic judgment upon; as, to criticise an author; to criticise a picture.
Criticize
To find fault with
Criticized the decision as unrealistic. See Usage Note at critique.
Criticise
To express one's views as to the merit or demerit of; esp., to animadvert upon; to find fault with; as, to criticise conduct.
Criticize
To judge the merits and faults of; analyze and evaluate
Criticizes art for a living.
Criticise
To act as a critic; to pass literary or artistic judgment; to play the critic; - formerly used with on or upon.
Several of these ladies, indeed, criticised upon the form of the association.
Criticize
To act as a critic.
Criticise
To discuss the merits or demerits of a thing or person; esp., to find fault.
Cavil you may, but never criticise.
Criticize
To find fault (with something).
They criticized him for endangering people's lives.
Criticise
Find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws;
The paper criticized the new movie
Don't knock the food--it's free
Criticize
To evaluate (something), assessing its merits and faults.
Criticise
Act as a critic;
Those who criticize others often are not perfect, either
Criticize
Same as criticise; as, The paper criticized the new movie.
Criticize
Find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws;
The paper criticized the new movie
Don't knock the food--it's free
Criticize
Act as a critic;
Those who criticize others often are not perfect, either
Common Curiosities
Will using 'criticize' in British English be considered a spelling error?
In formal and academic contexts, it might be marked as a spelling error according to British standards.
What is the main difference between 'criticise' and 'criticize'?
The main difference is regional spelling; 'criticise' is British, and 'criticize' is American.
Why does British English prefer 'criticise' while American English prefers 'criticize'?
This difference is part of broader spelling variations that evolved separately in British and American English.
Are there pronunciation differences between 'criticise' and 'criticize'?
Generally, both are pronounced the same, although regional accents might cause slight variations.
Is one form more correct than the other?
No, neither form is more correct; the choice depends on the regional spelling conventions.
What other words follow similar spelling rules to 'criticise' and 'criticize'?
Similar words include 'realise/realize' and 'apologise/apologize'.
Can the use of 'criticise' in an American publication lead to misunderstanding?
It's unlikely to lead to misunderstanding but might be seen as an inconsistency in spelling.
Can 'criticise' and 'criticize' be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably in the context of meaning, but not in regional spelling preferences.
Do these spelling differences extend to other forms of the word like 'criticism'?
No, 'criticism' is spelled the same in both British and American English.
Are there any exceptions to the use of 'criticise' in British English or 'criticize' in American English?
Typically, no exceptions; publications and formal writing strictly adhere to their respective conventions.
What should I use in an international context, 'criticise' or 'criticize'?
In international contexts, either can be used, but consider the primary audience's regional preference.
Does the choice of 'criticise' or 'criticize' affect the formality of the text?
No, the formality is not affected by the choice; it purely reflects regional spelling.
What resources can help determine the appropriate use of 'criticise' vs. 'criticize'?
Dictionary references, style guides, and editing software set to specific English variants can guide the appropriate use.
Is 'criticise' only used in the UK?
No, 'criticise' is also used in other regions that follow British English conventions, like Australia and Canada.
Has the preference for 'criticise' or 'criticize' changed over time?
While usage patterns may shift slightly, the fundamental spelling preferences remain consistent in their respective regions.
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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.
