Customise vs. Customize — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
Customise and customize refer to the same action of modifying something to suit personal preferences or requirements, but "customise" is preferred in British English, while "customize" is the American English variant.
Difference Between Customise and Customize
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Key Differences
Customise is the British English spelling used to describe the process of altering or building something to meet individual specifications or needs. Customize, on the other hand, follows American English conventions and carries the same meaning and applications as its British counterpart.
While the spelling differs, the pronunciation of customise and customize is virtually identical in both British and American English, emphasizing the phonetic similarity despite orthographic differences. This highlights the shared origin and meaning of the terms, despite regional spelling preferences.
The choice between customise and customize often reflects the writer's or organization's linguistic and cultural alignment rather than any difference in meaning or application. British English speakers will naturally gravitate towards "customise" when writing or speaking, while American English speakers will opt for "customize" to align with their spelling conventions.
One aspect of customise/customize that varies by region is the spelling preference in professional and academic contexts. In the UK, Australia, and other countries following British English norms, "customise" is the standard form used in documentation, manuals, and official communications. Whereas, in the United States and countries following American English conventions, "customize" is the preferred spelling.
Comparison Chart
Spelling
Customise
Customize
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Usage Region
UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other areas following British English
USA and countries following American English
Professional and Academic Preference
Preferred in regions that use British English
Preferred in regions that use American English
Dictionary Listings
Listed as the primary spelling in British English dictionaries
Listed as the primary spelling in American English dictionaries
Pronunciation
Virtually identical to American English
Virtually identical to British English
Compare with Definitions
Customise
To modify something according to personal wishes.
You can customise your pizza with any toppings you like.
Customize
To change something to suit individual preferences.
You can customize the settings of this app to your liking.
Customise
Involving modification of a vehicle.
He loves to customise old cars in his spare time.
Customize
Modification for personal or aesthetic reasons.
I want to customize my bike with a new paint job.
Customise
Personalising a service experience.
Our travel agency can customise your itinerary based on your interests.
Customize
Creating a unique experience or product.
They specialize in customizing tours for adventure seekers.
Customise
To tailor software to fit specific needs.
We'll need to customise the application for our unique workflow.
Customize
Adjusting features for better usability.
Customize your workspace for maximum productivity.
Customise
To adapt clothing to fit perfectly.
She had her wedding dress customised at the tailor.
Customize
Tailoring products to customer specifications.
They offer to customize your laptop with more memory and storage.
Customise
Standard spelling of customize
Customize
Modify (something) to suit a particular individual or task
The software can be customized to the developing needs of your students
Customise
Make to specifications;
I had this desk custom-made for me
Customize
To make or alter to individual or personal specifications
Customize a van.
Customise
Make according to requirements;
Customize a car
Customize
To build or alter according to personal preferences or specifications.
Customize
To make to specifications.
Customize
To make according to requirements.
Customize
Make to specifications;
I had this desk custom-made for me
Customize
Make according to requirements;
Customize a car
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between customise and customize?
The main difference is the spelling, with "customise" being the British English form and "customize" the American English form.
Why do British English and American English use different spellings for the same word?
The differences in spelling reflect historical and cultural variations in the English language that have evolved over time.
How do I know whether to use customise or customize in my writing?
The choice should be based on the version of English you are using or the preference of your audience.
Are there any contexts where customise and customize cannot be used interchangeably?
No, they can be used interchangeably in all contexts, with the choice of spelling being the only difference.
Can services as well as products be customised or customized?
Yes, both services and products can be customised/customized to better meet individual or specific group needs.
Is there a preference for customise or customize in scientific writing?
The preference depends on the style guide being followed, which is usually aligned with either British or American English standards.
Can I use customise in American English or customize in British English?
While not standard, understanding would not be hindered, but it's best to stick to the convention of the version of English you're using.
How does customising a product benefit the consumer?
Customising a product allows the consumer to have something that meets their specific needs or preferences, enhancing satisfaction and usability.
Do other English-speaking countries follow the British or American spelling of customise/customize?
This depends on the country's historical and cultural ties; for example, Canada and Australia may lean towards British spelling, but there are exceptions.
Can customise and customize be used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably, with the choice of spelling depending on the regional English preference.
Is the meaning of customise different from customize?
No, the meaning is the same; both terms refer to modifying something to suit personal preferences or requirements.
Are there tools or software that specifically focus on customising or customizing?
Yes, many software tools and applications offer customisation or customization options to cater to user preferences.
Do customise and customize have the same pronunciation?
Yes, the pronunciation of both words is virtually identical in both British and American English.
Is the trend towards more customisation or customization in products and services growing?
Yes, there's a growing trend towards more customisation/customization in products and services, as consumers increasingly seek personalized experiences.
Does customising a product often result in a higher cost?
Yes, customising a product or service often involves additional costs due to the extra labor, materials, or time required.
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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.
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.
